Pepperpot 05 28 2017

Gavin wants to contribute to the preservation of Guyanese culture through his music

I wanted to be a

Guyanese rock musician – Gavin Mendonca

Performing with “Feed the Flames” band at the Skyy Rock Festival in Trinidad last month

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

Providing good Christian entertainment

By Shauna Jemmott

A BEAUTIFUL beginning featuring a show with a bang has made the way, spiraling Serenity Holdings higher in executing its mandate of providing high level Christian entertainment and services to the less fortunate countrywide, that can change their lives forever.

The inspirational group out of the Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship in Albouystown, Georgetown, on May 13 launched its work with one of the greatest gospel shows ‘Open Heavens’, which was part of international Nigerian Gospel singer Sinach’s ‘Way Maker’ world tour.

“Our company is a company that is geared towards providing good Christian entertainment. We wanna engage in social outreach programmes through churches throughout all the communities in Guyana. We prefer depressed communities so the less privileged can be able to benefit from this,” Richard Hoyte of Serenity Holdings told Pepperpot Magazine in an interview recently.

The new group, he said, will work with schools, church groups and several other organisations in spreading its platform through charity and ministry, as far as it can possibly reach. “’Serenity Holdings’ wants to bring to Guyana and its depressed communities a level of entertainment, a level of recreation that will benefit people. We also wanna work with communities, for example the Albouystown area (and) Festival City that is plagued by flooding.

Richard Hoyte

We wanna bring ideas and possible solutions to those problems in those communities,” the man explained.

Hoyte said pulling together human resources for the project is not a challenge since several professionals and groups of people have shown great support. During preparations for the ‘Open Heavens’ concert the services of several persons who can be considered homeless have been gainfully employed in making the venue available.

“The last show we utilise persons living in the streets… persons living at Burnham Court, what we call Independence Square - at

Waterloo Street. And so last weekend we utilise the same team to take care of the cleaning and the preparation of the National Park… you get good service out of those people, they’re willing to work, they work hard and we were satisfied. This is something that is needed in our society because we cast those people aside, they become criminals, they gatto eat and if they don’t have jobs then how they’re gonna eat,” he pointed out.

They have been able to partner with those people through a charitable program which is often done by Pastor Eworth Williams and his family, the Pastor of Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship, in which they share meals with those homeless people. Serenity is now expanding such services in a stronger collaborative effort, with the family of Pastor Williams, doing it alone for months.

The group is currently organising a 20/20 international cricket competition, bringing to Guyana the skills of international West Indies cricketers Christopher Gayle, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo of Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, respectively.

“We’re gonna do entertainment that is gonna bring finances for us to do what we have to do in the communities, but it’s clean entertainment.”

Serenity Holdings have dreams of going bigger in charity and is currently gathering finances to launch out further into the deep of Guyana’s scattered communities.

“We are gonna identify communities that are most in need and (recognizing) what those

needs are to try and meet them. You may find that Albouystown is in need but there are communities outside of Georgetown that are more in need. So there’s no preference here, it depends on where the needs are. I drive through communities in Georgetown everyday taking my children to school, communities that are depressed, and I think it’s (the responsibility of) every citizen of this country to do our best whatever we can to help those who are in need and to lift this country out of poverty. Government can’t do it alone. There’s a role that every citizen must play in bringing Guyana out of this and whatever that role is we are willing to play,” Hoyte said.

Government Ministers have already stepped in, supporting the group’s efforts to eradicate poverty on a wider scale.

During Sinach’s one-day stay here, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, treated her and her entire team to lunch at the Mariott Hotel, and Guyana Defence Force Commander, Brigadier Patrick West, effectively entertained them with dinner. Minister of State Joseph Harmon has also supported the project and expressed an interest in going forward with the group.

He said he was impressed at the social cohesion evident at the show as it was attended by persons of various religions – muslims, rastafarians – “and I saw people on their knees in worship.”

Now ‘Serenity Holdings’ intends to find additional partners, who will also be zealous in pushing the group’s purpose.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

I wanted to be a

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Guyanese rock musician – Gavin Mendonca

By Telesha Ramnarine GAVIN Aaron Mendonca did not have a specific career goal in mind while he was growing up, but an experience an experience during a family trip to Berbice clearly revealed to him just what it was that he wanted to do with his life.

The family was looking through through a store in New Amsterdam called “Evil Eyes” when Gavin saw what would change his life – a guitar- hanging on the wall.

“It was dirt cheap, and I think I had just about that amount in my bank account. I had my ‘Visa Card’, which I had never used, and I decided I wanted this guitar. My mom said, ‘Buy it if you want it.’ So I spent all my money and bought it and since then, I’ve just been playing,” Gavin expressed recently.

In an interview with Chronicle, the 25-year-old, who was born and raised in the City, recalled that it wasn’t more than two weeks after getting the guitar that he realised that music was what he wanted to pursue.

At that time, he was studying at the University of Guyana (UG), but computer science was just something he did to kill time, as he puts it. “I taught myself how to play the guitar and started writing songs.

What started off as a hobby….just about two weeks into this new hobby, I knew this was what I wanted to do.”

Although Gavin thought a lot about the universe and how things work while he was growing up, his uncle, Jude Mendonca, and his siblings listened to rock music in his presence. “So it was always there in the atmosphere. I especially like punk rock because of the themes involved, like rebellion, anarchy, dreams, believe in yourself, say no to ‘the man,’ live the life that you see fit. So punk rock resonated with me.”

CREOLE ROCK Gavin has written many songs so far based on his life’s experiences and with themes that reoccur to him. He started with a song called “City by the Tides” that prominently featured Creolese, and followed up with “The Great Rebellion” based on the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion.

“I realised that I didn’t just want to be another rock musician. I wanted to be a Guyanese rock musician. I wanted my music to represent who I am, where I’m from and my culture. So Creole Rock is a fusion of Guyanese folk music with creole culture and dialect and punk rock,” he explained.

Gavin wants to be able to contribute to the preservation of Guyanese culture through his music. “Our folk songs are being lost to time.

Young Guyanese people today don’t really care much about culture; they care more about foreign cultures, about foreign trends. I see it fit to represent my culture so I aim to be a cultural ambassador of Guyana.”

Sharing the stage with rhythm guitarist Herbie Marshall

The young musician, who is also into radio broadcasting, is encouraging DJs to play more local music on the radio. “It’s important to broadcast everything that is Guyanese. We have to promote ourselves and support each other. Most people rather invest in foreign things.” Gavin added, while also calling for the return of copyright laws.

Gavin’s future goals include performing the “unique Guyanese sound” around the world. Already, he has performed in neighbouring Suriname and Trinidad. “I performed for two nights recently in Trinidad at the third annual Skyy Rock Festival, which is the biggest rock festival in the Caribbean. It hosted 20 bands including one from Guyana.”

Gavin is also the bassist of a heavy metal band called “Feed the Flames” of which he’s been a part of for the past five years. The band’s aim is to participate in the prestigious Wacken Open Air festival in Germany next year. It is the largest heavy metal festival in the world.

“Music has changed my life significantly in the most positive way. It contributes to my happiness, so I’d like to encourage young people to find music. Music has taught me so much about life, discipline, respect, proper management of time, project management, setting goals and accomplishing them. And it also allows you to be empathetic because you can be able to understand how someone else feels,” says Gavin.

APPEARANCE Apart from his belief that long hair adds to

a good rock performance, Gavin said he keeps his hair long to teach people to have respect for others regardless of their appearance.

“People judge you based on how you look.

Part of my belief is detachment from physical vanity. This is a concept that is practiced in Rastafarian of which I have adopted some of the ideologies. I believe our hair tells a story. Every trip I go on, I come back with experience, new knowledge. My hair is like a keepsake.

“There is a stigma attached to rock music.

People judge others because they wear black, grow their hair out, have piercings and tattoos.

And they believe that just because you’re into rock, you’re uneducated, delinquent; cause trouble, worship the devil, drink rat blood.

Some of this might be true, but I believe it depends on the individual and his/her circumstances.”

Gavin, a former student of South Road Nursery, Sacred Heart Primary, and Bishops’ High, is an independent broadcaster on 98.1 hot fm.

He produces “Today’s Playlist” on Saturday nights and “Rock and Roll” on Friday nights between the hours of 6pm and 8pm. Both shows, which promote rock music, are on 98.1 Hot FM.

IV

Appeal raises a question of law

By George Barclay

IN 1962 Customs Guard Perez, without authority, collected from Kisson Singh a payment of duty on certain articles.

He thereafter handed over the money to the respondent , an officer of Customs & Excise, whose duty it was to collect such money but who had been absent when payment was made to the Custom’s Guard.

The Respondent failed to pay over the money into revenue and was convicted of the offence of embezzlement by a public officer – the case having been tried summarily by consent .

The conviction and sentence were set aside on an appeal to the Full Court but were restored on appeal to the British Caribbean Court of Appeal.

After noting that the Full Court fell into error that court allowed the appeal by the prosecution and granted costs to the appellant for the Appellate Court and the Full Court.

It was held that it was not part of the duties of the Customs Guard to receive the money and that when he paid it over to the respondent this did not make the receipt by the latter a receipt of money , entrusted to him by virtue of his employment .

On appeal by the prosecution.

Held: although this customs guard was not authorised to receive the payment , K.S’s intention was that the money should be paid into revenue and his intention was carried out when the customs guard paid it over to the respondent who admittedly was authorised to receive it on behalf of the Government. At the moment the property in the money passed to the Government and in failing to hand over to the Government the respondent was guilty of embezzlement.

Appeal allowed.

E. A. Romao, Senior Crown Counsel, for the appellant.

A. S. Manraj for the respondent.

The British Caribbean Court of Appeal, was constituted

by Justices of Appeal Gomes, Lewis and Jackson.

Delivering the judgment Justice of Appeal Gomes said:

This is the judgment of the court. This appeal raises a question of law. The facts are not in dispute. But they may be stated very briefly for the purposes of the appeal. They are these: A man by the name of Kissoon Singh arrived as a passenger at a port of entry bringing with him some gifts. The Customs duty on the gifts was assessed in the sum of $10.

At the moment the respondent , the customs officer who is authorised to assess and receive customs duty , was absent but a customs guard by the name of Perez was holding on for him in his absence. The sum of $10 was paid by Kissoon Singh by way of customs duty to the customs guard Perez.

It was admitted that Perez was not a person authorised to assess or collect customs duty . He had, however, in the absence of the authorised office received the amount and he gave a provisional receipt therefor to Kissoon Singh. Later on when the customs officer arrived, Perez paid over the $10 to him in order that It might be paid in to the proper destination, that is to say, paid into revenue.

The respondent having failed to bring the matter to account into revenue was charged with embezzlement. He was convicted by the magistrate for the offence and fined. He appealed to the Full Court and the Full Court after hearing arguments, allowed the appeal and quashed the conviction.

(1962 L.R.B.G. 331).

From that decision of the Full Court the Crown has appealed to this court. Giving the reasons for decision the Full Court inter alia stated : “The question for consideration is whether the appellant’ by failing to pay to his employers, the colony of British Guiana, the sum of $10 given him by Perez is guilty of the offence of embezzlement by a public officer. In so far as Perez is concerned he was employed as a customs guard and it was no part of his duties as a customs guard to receive moneys or give receipts therefor. It was the duty of the appellant to collect moneys paid as duty on articles coming into the colony. Perez might be a bailee of the money received from Kissoon Singh and would hold the money In trust for him but he would not have been entrusted with the money as a public officer within the meaning of s. 191 of the Ordinance.

The money would still be the property of Kissoon Singh and not that of the Government of British Guiana. Perez would not have been entrusted with the money by virtue of his employment as a customs guard even though the appellant may have asked him to receive such moneys”

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

Court Case Files

By George Barclay Continuing his judgment Justice of Appeal Gomes added: If we may say so with respect we agree entirely with that part of the judgment of the Full Court. That court, however went on to say that - “the fact that Perez paid over the money to the appellant does not make the receipt a receipt of money entrusted to the appellant (who is now respondent) by virtue of his employment.”

This court does not agree with that view. When the money was paid by Kissoon Singh, it was paid with the intention that it should be paid into the revenue as customs duty.

Although the payment to Perez was ineffective as he was not an authorised officer to receive it , Kissoon Singh’s intention was carried out when Perez paid it over to the respondent who admittedly received it in his capacity as customs officer and as a person authorised to receive it on behalf of the Government. At that moment the property in the money passed to the Government.

This is where we consider the Full Court fell into error for when Perez paid over the money he performed that which he undertook to do when he became the bailee of Kissoon Singh, from whom he received the money.

The respondent in this court failed to pay over the money and thereby intercepted it before it came into the possession of his employer. In such circumstances we consider him guilty of embezzlement.

For these reasons the appeal is allowed and the Order of the Full Court is set aside and the conviction and sentence restored.

The court considers that the appellant is entitled to costs. The appellant will therefore have the costs in this appeal and of the Full Court.

Appeal allowed.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

y r t e o P #SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Martin Carter’s

“You Are Involved”

CONGRATULATIONS, Guyana, on making it to 51 years since Independence.

Congratulations to us on ridding ourselves of colonial masters and colonial mentalities.

Congratulations to us on ending racial disharmony. Congratulations to us on developing and sustaining a beneficial political system. Congratulations to us on ensuring that the rights of others are protected, that the environment is protected, that our children are protected. Congratulations to us on making Guyana a wealthier, better, stronger, more focused nation. Congratulations!

Of course, the entire previous paragraph was written in a thick sarcasm that if not iden- Martin Carter tified by you, good read- (Image via: Stabroek News) er, clearly indicates that people or bad people, we are all eventually I need to work on my sarcasm in writing or that you need to take “consumed.”

Does this consumption refer to death? off your blinders and see the country for Does it mean consumed in the process of our what it is. Yes, half a century after independence has given us some improvement, but actions and inactions, consumed because of in most areas, especially the areas identified our decisions, because of our history and its in paragraph one, we, as a country, and as a relation to our present and future?

Regardless of what specifically is meant people, have failed miserably. If there was a literary work in all of Guyanese history that by Carter, the remaining and underscored best responds to the current situation that idea is that we are consumed, despite who Guyana and its people are in, it would be we are and what we have done – implying Martin Carter’s excellent, and rather well- non-discrimination in the consumption, and known, “You Are Involved”, a poem where further implying that togetherness, a unity, the title of the poem itself rings through with and an equality where every individual is the lesson it holds at the center of itself for consumed alongside his/her neighbour.

The lines, therefore, can be read as strongly all Guyanese to adhere to.

“Today a speck / tomorrow a hero / hero seeking to impart the idea that we are all in or monster / you are consumed!” is a part of this, whatever “this” is, together, something the opening line that tells us from the very that can be strongly applied to the Guyanese beginning what the poem is about, what the situation as well.

“Like a web / is spun the pattern / all are concerns of the poet are. The immediacy of the intentions of the poet/persona is import- involved! / all are consumed!” reads the last ant because it conveys a sense of urgency, section of “You Are Involved”, which is as if Carter wants the reader to understand really one of Carter’s shortest poems. The the concept that whether hero or monster, lines in that last section reaffirm this sense whether politician or pauper, man or woman, of togetherness that began at the beginning elders or children, African or Indian, good of the poem. The imagery of the web empha-

sizes the idea that we are trapped together, connected together, and inevitably bound together, and this is why we are all involved, and, also, why we are all consumed – and, therefore, why we must all share responsibility (for change, for the representation of our desires, for betterment) or risk becoming even more lost, more divided, and more fallen as a nation.

I do not mean to be cynical, but to celebrate fifty one years of Independence simply for the sake of doing so, while the country and its people continue to stew

V in a vat of problems that have existed since before independence itself seems a bit contradictory. It is true that a lot has changed and things are much better today in Guyana, but it is also true that a lot remains unchanged, and the key to solving these problems, the key to fixing ourselves and our country lies in the heart of Martin Carter’s poem. It is a reminder that we are responsible for ourselves and for each other, and the way forward is one that forces us to rely on each other in order to make this country what we want it to be.

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

A mother’s plea for help

By Michel Outridge PATRICIA Allen, a mother of three, is at her wits’ end and is pleading with the authorities to assist her in getting her son, who is a person with a mental issue institutionalised, where he can benefit from specialised psychiatric care and medications.

Allen of Lot 14 ‘B’ Field, Sophia told the Guyana Chronicle that her nightmare began when her 19-year-old son, Jaheel, became mentally challenged at age 17 and is now out of control.

Mrs. Allen, who is a single parent, said that she learnt that her son gravitated towards cannabis sativa some years ago, while he was still in school; coupled with peer pressure

that drove him to use cannabis mixed with cocaine.

She related that that combination literally blew his mind and he became fully unstable.

She says he is a nuisance to society, since the authorities refuse to take him in for proper treatment.

Mrs. Allen says that her son is very violent when he roams the village and would usually break everything in her home when he is smoking drugs. She displayed many marks of violence on her body, trademarks of her off-spring.

Presently, he resides at her home but she simply cannot manage him when he goes out of control.

Her household furniture and appliances

Pleading mother: Patricia Allen

have long been bent out of shape.

A few nights ago he smashed the windscreen of a villager’s vehicle and she cannot replace same.

This mother is contending that her son

should be housed in the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital until he is better and then she could have her real son back.

Mrs. Allen stated that whenever she takes her mentally ill son to the Georgetown Public Hospital Psychiatric Ward he would be admitted only for a few hours or days after which he is released to roam the streets.

She believes that Jaleel is so violent he needs proper care and medication and has become a danger to himself and others, which is a very frightening situation for her.

Mrs. Allen told the Guyana Chronicle that she cannot talk to her son because he cannot comprehend and is in a ‘world of his own.’

She said that he usually walks around naked in the yard.

Mrs. Allen said that she is a diabetic and many days she is so unwell given the abuse she has to endure because of her circumstance as it relates to her son.

This mother, a diabetic, is hoping that the relevant authorities step in to offer her son some place where her son can be placed until he is better because she cannot relate to him and it is taking a toll on her health as it did with her husband, who passed away.

Big people party at GNS Big (mature) people certainly know how to enjoy themselves and hold their own at a regular party. More so the live performances by Eze Rockliffe and his group at the Carifesta Sports Complex formerly the Guyana National Service (GNS) every Friday night, which attracts dozens of light-footed folks.

The event is one to look forward to for many as an after-work lime (hang out) spot where friends and others meet.

BIG PEOPLE PARTY At the Carifesta Sports Complex the cutters range from souse, fried fish, fried chicken and chips, which are very tasty and prepared in the in-house kitchen. Drinks are plentiful, once you have the cash to accommodate your thirst.

The party starts at 7pm and ends promptly at midnight, during which time the venue is packed to capacity with folks of all ages.

The atmosphere is one of celebration and it is a violence-free occasion, where mature folks dress-up to party, accompanied by popular music and songs of yester year.

THE REGULARS The Guyana Chronicle spoke to several patrons, who are ‘regulars’ at the location every Friday night. For them it is the ideal spot because the music suits them and it is their

Eze Rockliffe and his brother Kenneth Rockliffe performing

kind of party.

The ladies said they prefer to be at that location because it is not overly crowded and most of the people are acquaintances and friends because of their age group.

Whenever Eze Rockliffe sings folk songs, which the more mature folks know and appreciate it is a really nice time for the patrons who would gyrate to those songs.

YORUBA SINGERS BAND Band leader of the Yoruba Singers, Eze Rockliffe, said that his group consists of nine persons, including himself and his lovely wife and they have been in existence for 46th years.

He named the members of his band as: his wife Joycelyn Rockliffe, his brother Kenneth Rockliffe, Ralph Cole, Keron Richards, who are vocalists; drummer is Paul Barker. On the bass are Peter Callendar and Gordon Henry; on the

keyboard is Xonophen Golliah and guitarist Herman (only name given).

Rockliffe told the Guyana Chronicle that on Fridays local artistes pass through and contribute by way of singing a few songs of their choice.

These include Roger Bowen, Michelle King and Rhonda Gravesande, among others.

He added that on May 25, 2017 they would be celebrating their 46th anniversary as a band and to observe the occasion they would be performing at Congress Place on October 26, 2017 in a show titled “For the love of the common people”.

Rockliffe stated that the Yoruba Singers specialises in folk songs, but they can sing pop, soca, reggae, blues, and dancehall.

He said all were welcome at the Friday night affair at the Carifesta Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue.

Georgetown.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

VII

The choice of a dentist Although many persons have little or no choice when it comes to deciding who their dentist should be, the fact remains choosing a private dentist is no small matter these days. In the first place, there are 72 registered dentists in Guyana of which the great majority is not considered prominent.

How then should you go about choosing a dentist? The convenient one at the corner? That would be the reasonable thing to do if you are a gambler. That dentist may be very good; but then he/she may not be.

The only thing you know about him is that he is very convenient. Ask a neighbor? Maybe, if the neighbor has had a lot of satisfactory work done for age groups in his family comparable to those in yours over an extended period, and if you respect his or her opinion. The only problem with this approach is that the combination would appear with the same frequency as that of you winning the Guyana Lotto.

Dentistry is a profession just like medicine, engineering or law. It is not a business, although there are business practices and financial aspects to discuss and employ in the practice of these professions. They are looked upon as being different from a business.

Professional people generally get more respect and more is expected of them. What distinguishes a business from a profession, at least in the eyes of the John Public? For one thing, business is characterised by the sentiment of “Let the buyer beware”. In other words, anything the seller can get away with wherever he goes. We have consumer protection laws because the consumer needs protection. We have heard about quality control and advertising gimmicks.

A profession should be a field where people of integrity,

honesty, trustworthiness, and sincerity are retained by the public. That is not to say that we do not find these admirable qualities in the business or business people.

Try asking a dentist to explain his findings in your mouth, the details of treatment, clinical expectations and follow-up visits. Ask about the available options and price of each.

Carefully make a mental note of his reaction of your probing questions. Prospective patients should be astute enough to recognise and stay away from dentists who use dentistry more as a business rather than a profession. If your dentist should ever say, “You’ll get the final cost when I’m finished”, beware and don’t fall for that gimmick.

The world of dentistry for the layman is an unknown world full of pain, superstition,

misinformation and apprehension. It is for this very reason that this author decided to start this column nearly fourteen years ago. Since then I have always tried my best to have a weekly publication. My objective is to arm the dental patient with the basic knowledge of dentistry so that they cannot be easily fooled The profession becomes culpable whenever there is a general lack on the part of dental personnel to respond appropriately to the patient’s needs, while allaying fears and apprehensions. Dentists owe the public for the privileges and financial security they enjoy and must pay with an outgoing concern for their dental well-being.

Your choice of a dentist can affect your dental health for the rest of your life. It should not be a “crisis choice” when you are in pain. At such times you cannot think rationally and make any intelligent choice. If the dentist you get is not your kind of person, thank him, pay him and leave. It will be a lot cheaper in the long run.

Finally, dental care is a two-way street. Each time the machine breaks down, it gets harder and harder to fix, and it will not work quiet as well as it did before. If you want success, become a working-partner with your dentist. If you find that this is impossible with the dentist you picked, then try another one.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

INDEPENDENCE DAY, 2017 - A BUILDING BLOCK FOR NATIONAL UNITY IN colonial Guyana, the Governmental authorities arranged it that in almost every month there would be a public holiday.

The raison d'etre of these several holidays was religious, such as Good Friday, socio-political such as Emancipation Day, political such as Empire Day and others without very much significance such as May Day and Clementi Day. The major reason for having 14 holidays per year was to give working people two weeks leave annually, since there were no laws prescribing any obligatory leave.

At independence, the colonial holiday structure was revised and some of the holidays of little consequence were omitted and new ones introduced. Among the most important of the new holidays were the national-political ones of Republic Day on 23rd February and Independence Day on 26th May. The number of public holidays per annum was kept at 14, but new Labour Laws were passed giving every employee annual leave of two weeks.

This caused the original reason for having 14

public holidays to be forgotten.

On Friday last, 26th May, Independence Day was celebrated. Independence Day, like Republic Day had a great deal of governmental inputs including flag-raising ceremonies countrywide, fire-works and military parades.

Our leaders from both the Government and Opposition took the opportunity of addressing the nation. Private individuals and groups also took the opportunity of organising parties and fetes of various kinds.

Independence Day, like Republic Day, was subject to the injection of much party politics from their inception and this was inevitable, since it reflected the milieu of the country. With the effluxion of time, however, party politics have begun to recede and the Day is emerging as one free of political and negative distractions.

In planning future Independence Days, the Ministry of Education and Culture and other Government agencies should work out detailed plans of how the entire population could be involved, the teaching of the

meaning of Independence, its historical and cultural significance and making it as memorable to young children as the colonial Empire Day had been.

Many older folk remember with nostalgia their childhood involvement with the celebration of Empire Day. All aspects of the Day need to be carefully planned, so as to ensure they live on in the memories of the population. The celebratory aspects should never be left to chance.

The streets and areas to be lit up should be carefully planned with the help of private businesses.

Fire-works displays should be held in every county and should aim at being a regular and expected feature as the fire-works display at the Washington monument on the 4th July in Washington D.C. For several weeks before the Day, schoolchildren should learn to sing the National Anthem and other national songs and on the Day, should assemble at various important points in every county, where they would perform and be given refreshments of strictly local fare and mementos such as buttons.

At such gatherings, the theme of fraternity should be stressed.

At this season of Independence, the schools and other educational institutions should have talks on Guyanese History, letting the children know who they are. The plural nature of Guyanese society should be

clearly explained and emphasized and examples of the country's various cultural strands should be illustrated in whatever ways possible. This would help to bring knowledge and respect for the country's various cultures and would result in greater national cohesion.

The media, both the print and electronic, should be encouraged to carry features of the various cultures of the country including the musical and religious.

Independence Day should have a joyous celebratory aspect as well as a deeply educative one, so that the Guyanese people would begin to know who they are and build up mutual respect and fraternity resulting in greater unity.

Independence Day 2017 did achieve some of the elements mentioned, but the aim should be to make the Day a richer experience each year.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS FOR REAL Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

By Francis Quamina Farrier

SO it's been raining in Guyana on and off since New Year's Day 2017. Fact is, it has been raining more than not raining; and there seems to be no pattern as to when, how and where the rain will fall. The most certain thing about rainfall over the past three decades, is that there is no pattern; the rain falls at all odd times, and also in all odd places and in many cases, resulting in flooding.

My question to you is; "Should it rain tomorrow morning, will you be singing that popular song by The Carpenters, "Rainy Days and Mondays always gets me down"?

Guyanese used to joke about it raining whenever Test cricket comes to town, but it seems now that whenever a group of boys or girls go out anywhere to play bat-and-ball, the rain comes. Just take note of the heavy flooding in many sections of Georgetown as well as in the Regions over the past two decades.

Only recently, Region Eight suffered from heavy rainfall, causing many rivers in that highland region of the country to overflow their banks, resulting in devastating floods and lots of human suffering in the populated areas.

So let me say it; Climate Change is for real. If you are 45 years or younger, I suggest that you take some time out and sit and have an in-depth discourse with an older person about what the weather pattern was like back then in British Guiana.

They will most likely tell you about the two rainy seasons and the two dry seasons, which came around like the sun comes around every day on schedule, never missing a beat, even when obscured by clouds, it is still there. In those long-gone days, one could have arranged an out-door activity without needing to have a Plan B, just in case it rains.

The two rainy seasons were in May and June, referred to as "The May/June Rains"; that was the big one. The smaller rainy season was during the latter weeks of the year. The older folks will tell the youngsters that rain never fell in August when they were children. During the August school holidays, youngsters went on visits to different areas from where they lived. Scouts took field trips and hikes into the hinterland. No one packed a cloak or umbrella. It was the Dry Season, and so no rain whatsoever.

But in more recent decades, things have changed; there is climate change, the governing party changed, party members changed their party allegiance; some went to this party and others to that party; there were many who also changed their religion; many changed their partners; many changed their citizenship. A few even changed their gender; so why not the weather? (Really, I shouldn't have made that last statement).

Change is inevitable and so we need to face whatever challenge change brings; Climate Change included.

We see what happens in Georgetown and in most coastal areas of the country when there is heavy rainfall; areas which are below sea level at high tide, become inundated. Those of us 15 years and older can recall that terrible experience in 2005, when most of the East Coast of Demerara and West Coast Berbice were under over eight feet of flood water due to heavy and continuous rainfall.

The ground floors of low lying buildings became water-logged. There was lots of human and animal suffering.

Items in homes were destroyed. Some animals died in the flood water. Others died of starvation because there was no grass to eat, since most of the grass was submerged. It was terrible.

During the past three weeks, many areas in Region Number Eight were inundated after heavy rainfall. What is very worrying about that situation is that Region Eight is one of the highest areas of Guyana, with many hills and mountains which are hundreds and thousands of feet above sea level. Yet they were floods in many areas and people suffered terribly.

The rivers just could not take off the water from the incessant rain and so that resulted in the floods.

The weather pattern has certainly changed over the years, and those responsible for getting assistance to those who suffer from floods, are greatly challenged. The Civil Defense Commission which is tasked with getting needed assistance to those affected by floods and other disasters, did an excellent job in this recent case in Region Number Eight, according to reports coming out of that highland region. People suffered initially, but help was there to ease the suffering, and from

reports, the water is receding and things are slowly returning to normal.

Guyana though small and relatively insignificant on the world stage, still plays a vital role in the international drama of maintaining a healthy production of Climate. This country is regarded as one of the bastions of keeping the lungs of the earth clean and healthy with our pristine forests. We have, for the better part, kept our forests intact. Guyana has also given to the world, the Iwokarama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation, for scientific study of flora and fauna, and climate. That came about when President Desmond Hoyte, while attending a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government, in Malaysia in 1989, proposed the idea of setting aside a section of a virgin rainforest as a living laboratory.

Guyanese need to be proud of that Iwokarama Project, and continue to make our own individual contributions as dedicated players in this unfolding Climate Change drama, even as we recognize just how lucky we are from the wrath of Mother Nature. There is on-going education here in Guyana about a Green Environment, and how individuals and groups can make their contributions.

Many of us complain when it is too hot or too rainy, never pausing to recognise just how much Guyana is blessed. We never experience the wrath of snow storms and blizzards which take the lives of many humans and animals. There are no hail storms in which ice cubicles come pelting down from the sky, doing much damage, especially to vehicles.

Guyana does not experience deadly hurricanes as some of our Caricom sister countries.

No earthquakes in which the earth opens up swallowing up humans, animals, and buildings. No tornadoes that come twisting, swallowing up all in their path.

There are no fires which consume dozens of acres of forests and grass lands. We never had a tsunami in which dozens of people and hundreds of animals are washed out to sea to their deaths, including the devastating damage to property. There are no avalanches or land slides to really talk about. There are those countries which suffer from heavy fog, while others have to deal with exploding volcanoes which spew fiery lava, which in some instances, pour down into populated areas and take lives and property.

Flying in an helicopter over the city of Plymouth, Montserrat, two years after that devastating eruption of the previously dormant Soufriere Hills Volcano on July 18, 1995, and seeing just the tip of the tallest buildings peeping above the ash, tears came to my eyes

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knowing that I had previously walked in the streets below and just could not fathom that such horrific damage could have been the result of a volcano errupting. Can you imagine Georgetown covered in ash with only the top of the St. George's cathedral, the Stabroek Market and a few other tall buildings visible? Could you imagine the General Post, the National Cultural Centre and other buildings, totally covered in ash. We Guyanese need to recognize that our Beautiful Guyana is very blessed weather-wise.

However, blessed though Guyana is weather-wise, that does not mean that Guyanese ought to accept what could be prevented. Some of the floods which impact Georgetown in particular, are for the better part, preventable; if only we would take better care of our environment - our drains and canals in particular.

During the post-General Elections of 2015, the massive cleanup campaign of the city of Georgetown, was well-received by citizens as they saw the transformation of the "garbage city" to a much cleaner capital. But as we celebrate our 51st Independence Anniversary, are we as pleased about the current state of Georgetown? Not everyone is, because there are obvious signs of careless and illegal garbage disposal.

So when next it rains, you may just 'throw back' and relax with some soothing music; such as Brook Benton's "Rainy Night in Georgia", and recall when Brook arrived from America and took Georgetown by storm when he performed at the Strand De luxe cinema at Wellington and Charlotte Streets.

On the other hand, if you are busy around and about town or country, and it's raining cats and dogs, you could sing to yourself that popular Burt Bacharach song "Raindrops keep falling on my Head", from the movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" with Robert Redford and Paul Newman.

So whatever you do, know that Climate Change is for real. And if we are to "give jack he jacket", we will salute former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, and take a first or other viewing of his 2006 Academy Award Winning Video documentary "An Inconvenient Truth", which shows in a most dramatic way, the facts of Climate Change. So just get real with whatever you do, and be a part of the solution, however small it may be.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

EPA celebrates Biodiversity Day 2017 LAST week we focused on International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) and the significance of this year’s theme “Biodiversity for Sustainable Tourism.” You will recall from reading the article, that biodiversity

plays an invaluable role in the tourism sector, serving as a major attraction for tourists around the world. You will also have noted the idea that the revenue from tourism can be directed towards biodiversity conservation and like efforts, and thus aid in sustaining the sector.

On Friday, May 19, the EPA ushered in the IDB celebrations with a stimulating Biodiversity Youth Forum, held at the Amerindian Village, Sophia Exhibition Centre. This forum which was focused on the theme “Youths for Biodiversity and Tourism: Showing the Impor- A colourful dance by tance through the Performing Bygeval Secondary Arts,” featured a concert and elocution competition. Performpoetry, drumming, and drama, the perforers and contestants comprised some forty (40) mances entertained and educated the audience confident and talented students from sixteen The stage was brought to life with a kalei(16) Environmental Clubs within secondary doscope of colourful and creative costumes schools in Regions three, four and five. and props that enhanced the performances and Ms. Candacie Thompson, SEO of the En- took transported the audience to the world of vironmental, Communication, Education and biodiversity and ecosystems.

Awareness Programme (ECEAP) of the EPA At the end of the forum, performers were gave opening remarks. This was followed rewarded for their hard-work with trophies, by the Biodiversity Day Message which was books, medals and certificates. The prize delivered to the waiting audience of over for best interpretation of the theme went to Marian Academy; Rosignol Secondary copped the prize for best creativity and originality; Students from Golden Grove took away the prize for best costume design; and the crowd favourite West Demerara Secondary copped the prize for best crowd response with their catchy musical rendition that encouraged visitors to come to Guyana and experience a different side to the tourism world.

Students from Hope Secondary The battle in elocution took doing a biodiversity song place among Central High, Diamond Secondary, Mahaicony Secondary and Stewartville Secondary with each of them vying for the coveted prize of best speaker. The contestants took on the challenge to elaborate in five minutes on the topic ‘biodiversity as a key to unlocking Guyana’s tourism potential.’

In the end, the lone male contestant Nathan Prince representing Central High proved most worthy.

Nathan Prince, winner of elocution contest

one hundred and thirty (130) persons by Ms. Sharifah Razack, Director, ECEAP, at EPA, who urged students to not only learn more but do more to protect and conserve our rich biodiversity.

As the show began, performers wasted no time in illustrating through art, the concept of biodiversity protection, conservation and management and its importance in promoting a sustainable tourism industry in Guyana.

Through songs, well-choreographed dances,

...LOOKING FORWARD TO WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2017 Entering into June, nature will again be in the spotlight as we celebrate World Environment Day on June 5 under the theme “Connecting People to Nature.” The EPA is launching an ‘I’m with Nature’ Selfie Competition, challenging youths between the ages of 13 to 25 years to get out into the beautiful outdoors and connect with the natural elements.

Prizes include nature trips and cash vouchers.

Visit our Facebook page for full criteria and to request additional information.

The EPA extends gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Repsol, all participating schools and stakeholders for their contribution to the success of this event.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

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Alzheimer’s Disease Hello Everyone, I hope this week has treated you well.

IT is known that when an individual is suffering from any sort of illness, the family suffers along with them.

Alzheimer’s offers no exception. I have been seeing more and more individuals (along with their friends/ family) suffering from this disease in Guyana. Even worse, the families have a lack of understanding of the disease as well as a lack of knowledge of the help available within our community. I hope to remedy this today.

FIRSTLY, WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE? It is a degenerative brain disorder that severely damages cognitive functioning over a period of time.

This can range from anything such as memory issues to language problems. Sadly, it is a very common cause of death among the elderly population.

Alzheimer’s is commonly linked with dementia, which is a common cause of the disease. Dementia is loss of all basic cognitive functioning such as memory and reasoning skills.

What are the signs/ symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

There are both outward and inward signs of Alzheimer's.

Inward symptoms include shrinking of brain tissue, particularly in the hippocampus; the part of the brain mostly responsible for memory functioning.

Typically, the first outward sign of this disease is memory issues. We all often forget where we put our keys or whether we’ve turned off appliances before we left home; but when does it become a problem? This happens when the memory loss is so severe that it starts to affect our daily lives and overall functioning. One may not be able to drive one’s self anymore as he/she cannot remember where certain places are -- even though they have been frequently visited. The individual may even forget the names of the people closest to them.

Short- term memory is usually the first to go. Alzheimer’s patients may remember things from their childhoods, but not in the last few months.

Other common symptoms include wandering and getting lost, impaired judgement, reasoning and communication skills.

These symptoms all lead to heavy stress, aggression, anxiety as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

There are different stages that come with different symptoms. These are mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer’s.

During the mild stage of Alzheimer’s, the individual may start to repeat questions, lose items and take longer to complete regular daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, paying bills etc.

They may require help to do these things.

If the individual is experiencing moderate Alzheimer’s, there is damage in the areas of the brain that are responsible for memory, language and reasoning. The memory issues are more severe, whereas the individual may no longer recognise people or places that were once close to him/her.

They will get lost often and therefore lose motivation to do anything. This loss of productivity and efficiency will result in mood swings as well as isolation from friends and family.

Hallucinations and delusions are possible during this stage and the individual needs help during most routine activities.

During severe Alzheimer’s, the brain tissue in the hippocampus significantly shrinks,which results in the inability to form any kind of new memories. The individual will not be able to learn anything new, effectively communicate, take his or her medication on his or her own or basic self-care. The progression of the disease would result in a loss of ability to read or write and basically anything else that stimulates the mind. During this stage, the patients will typically spend most of their time in bed. It will be almost impossible for them to live alone at this point. More often than not, he or she will require around-

the-clock care.

WHO CAN DEVELOP ALZHEIMER’S? There is no one cause for Alzheimer’s, but rather a number of factors that make certain individuals more likely than others to develop the disease.

Alzheimer’s is typically developed among elderly people-around mid 60s. Therefore, age in itself is a risk factor. There is the possibility of early on-set Alzheimer's, which usually develops around the mid 30s. However, this happens only in about 10% of all people with Alzheimer’s.

Like most mental illnesses, genetics play a significant role in its development. This means that an individual is more at risk of developing the disease if a first-degree relative (parent/ sibling) has been diagnosed with it. However, this does not mean that Alzheimer's is inescapable, one can still reduce their risk by living a healthy lifestyle -- even with a genetic downfall.

Some individuals are also born with a genetic mutation that is usually the cause of development.

Individuals who have a personal history of head injuries, sleep disorders, depression, addiction and overall poor physical health are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Gender is also considered a risk factor, as women are more likely to develop the disease than men.

HOW IS ALZHEIMER’S PREVENTED AND TREATED? Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, but can be treated and managed. There are medications, counselling and brain activities that can help the individual better manage the physical, mental and behavioural symptoms, as well as delay further symptoms of the disease.

Individuals who increase intellectual activities such as word/memory games, chess, reading or any creative crafts have been shown to slow progression of their disease. Those who have increased hobbies and social activities have done so as well.

An individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is medicated (exact one depends on the patient). They may go through various methods of counselling before they find which is right for them. A popular one, Reminiscence therapy (RT), involves deep discussion of the patient’s history and past experiences.

They are shown pictures, home videos or old letters – anything that can spark memories. Music can also help.

We feel helpless as friends/ family in these situations but there are small things that we can do to help.

Keep items used daily (keys, medication, phone etc.) in the same place at all times. Clean and de-clutter the house. Keep pictures (associated with good memories) all around the home. Play productive and learning games with them. Label all the items in the house that they may be forgetting. Help them with daily chores or show them easier ways to go about them. Follow them to all doctor’s appointments. All of the above slow progression of the disease, increases patience, lowers frustration and decreases the chances of isolation for the individual suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s is not an easy task. It is very physically, mentally, emotionally and financially taxing. There are inpatient services available within our community that can help.

Inpatient services are offered by Mercy Hospital Resident Care. This means that the patient lives and is taken care of by people within the centre, who are specially trained in these areas.

Address: Lot 3 Pere Street Kitty, Georgetown Contact: 227-1100, 225-3185 If you feel as though you or a loved one might be suffering from Alzheimer’s, please visit your nearest health centre to share your concerns.

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital :Monday- Friday – 8am12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 4:00pm Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:00pm Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

C.N. Sharma celebrates 25 years ‘on air’

– Pioneered TV death announcements, local shows

By Rabindra Rooplall CHANDRA Narine ‘C N’ Sharma, one of Guyana’s oldest broadcasters, will be celebrating 25 years in the business on June 7, 2017.

Sharma has suffered multiple strokes, beginning from March 2012. And although he has been affected, Sharma still insists on being in charge of a business that he and his family built from scratch; one that is now a household name in Guyana. Twenty five years after that start, he is still awaiting the permit he applied for several years ago to have a radio and relaying licence as his business expands.

Surveys have placed C.N.S Channel Six as the most popular television station in Guyana.

The veteran broadcaster and leader of the Justice For All Party was well known for the “Justice For All” programme, which later had its title changed to “Voice of the People.”

Sharma’s popularity caused him to form “Justice For All,” which now has through

known as a social activist, television station owner, talk show host, and politician. He has shared 42 years of his life with Savitri Singh and the union produced three children.

The birth of the third child, Manoj Sharma, coincides with the June 7 anniversary, since this was the day C N Sharma made his first broadcast.

The nonchalant Sharma described his quarter- century as being filled with mixed fortunes and challenges.

Unable to fully express himself because of the strokes he suffered, he had to be helped by his wife, Savitri Singh, to highlight some of the accomplishments and challenges he faced as a man who wears many caps.

“The TV station actually started in the living room of our home…Sharma has an undying love for using a video camera.” His early exploits in television saw him making video clips of local Indian talent, because there was a severe lack of cultural programmes in the country at that time.

Those persons would come to Sharma and he would video them dancing, or he would

Veteran broadcaster Chandra Narine (C.N) Sharma and wife Savitri

its coalition with A Partnership for National Unity made his son Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Finance.

Sharma first established his vision on June 7, 1992, in a section of his house at 73 Robb Street, Lacytown, where the first broadcast took place at a time when there were only three other television stations in existence.

Since then, one of his longest and most supportive staff, Tyrone Ali, who started as a videographer in June 1993 and is now an administrator is still with him.

Born in April 1948, Sharma is

Mr. Sharma and wife with Bollywood stars Nitn Mukesh and Rishi Kapoor at his studio

C.N. Sharma’s team in 2004

take them to the Gardens or Seawall, where a recording would be done.

“The popular local actor Mahadeo Shivraj, was one of the first persons that Sharma filmed,” his wife said.

His venture into the broadcasting industry expanded when he noticed that he was constantly refused by the three television stations at that time in the early 90s to air the finished product. However, although he had explained to the owners of the broadcasting entities that there was only Americanised and English entertainment being shown and nothing else, this was not taken into consideration by the stations; they were dismissive.

“At that time they didn’t want any Indian programmes being aired on television. At that point, I decided to buy a TV station and I went to Miami and bought the equipment,” Sharma said.

Sharma was a refrigeration technician, a bodywork specialist for cars, and a spray painter, when he made that decision.

He was the first person to introduce death announcements on television. Sharma said that persons thought he was crazy. However, since then other television stations have mimicked this pattern. It was the same with birthday and other anniversary greetings.

His wife said that they also decided to focus on local events rather than overseas programmes. This was when a decision was made to show press conferences and parliamentary sessions.

“This was for people in Guyana to understand what was happening in their own country…and not only focusing on what is happening outside of Guyana. Then other stations followed the pattern.” He would normally broadcast 90 per cent local content.

He noted that on one occasion, former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan at a brunch held at State House, commended him for promoting local shows. “I was the only person at the brunch with my camera. The other reporters did not walk with their tools because it was a brunch, but there was always something newsworthy to show.”

Lamenting that his request to purchase a helicopter was turned down by the PPP government, Sharma said that every angle he turned and wanted to further develop his business was always met with opposition from PPP Government officials.

He explained that one of the challenges he faced was when the then government- owned television station GTV, which is now NCN, was moved from Channel 10 to Channel 11. This resulted in an interference of Sharma’s station, which broadcasts from Channel 12.

In tidying up the spectrum for the government-owned station, Sharma Turn to page XVIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

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Happy Independence to you all MY DOG that I wrote about in the BEYOND THE RUNWAY column last week died.

Losing a pet is utterly heart-breaking. Many people (especially those who aren’t pet owners themselves and I was one) will often question or dismiss the immense grief you are experiencing from losing your animal. However, you should never feel ashamed by the amount of grief you are feeling and expressing.

Pet lovers know a dog is more than just a pet and a friend. While it takes time to come to terms with this loss, you have to remember to allow yourself to grieve, but also keep the memories of them fresh in your mind. For the past few days this totally consumed me. I even cancelled a meeting to take her to the vet and stayed home with her.

Last evening I blended cooked liver to feed her and was happy she was finally eating something. She was in my arms for a while and I stroked her head (was so enjoying that). This morning before going to church, her energy was getting lower but I was assured that she was strong and would eventually beat whatever was the scourge.

I tried feeding her when I got home but she did not eat much and seemed tired. I gave her some love and I knew she enjoyed me hugging her like a baby and putting her to sleep.

I walked upstairs to my room not knowing that was the last time I would be hugging her.

This brought back memories of how devastated I was when her mother MariYan died.

Although they aren’t here physically, their presence will continue to live on through all of the loving moments we shared.

“Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes.” – Gene Hill The bond between a pet and its owner is everlasting.

Bonding with family, friends and colleagues is also important to me. That is the reason I suggested to WASD members for us to get together in the amazing ambiance at the New Thriving Providence VIP Room.

We spoke about things we are most thankful for in our personal lives and business as we enjoyed our tea, cheese cake, cookies, crème brulee, sandwiches, wontons etc.(they were all so delicious).

It is vital to relax, renew and rejuvenate while providing support and mentorship to youth and to each other.

I shared some of the knowledge I acquired from some of my overseas training including the SNAP (Super Networking @ Accelerated Pace).

This technique is unbelievable and it comes with a card that is more effective than a normal business card. I will be teaching how to master your snap at an event next week (very excited).

I love that we can learn from each other and chose to be

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion streams rather than reservoirs.

Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts awarded some of the exhibitors from the Women In Business Expo earlier this year.

The prizes awarded were for Best Display (Large and Small) which went to Melba LaGadoue of Intricate Creations and Danica Drepaul of I Love Cupcakes n’ Mold, respectively. There was also a prize for Best Social Media Presence which went to Muna Nur of Elusive Events and Business Services.

Ayana McCalman of McCalman and Company gave a brief speech on Business and the Law and emphasized on making sure that the legal aspect of setting up and managing a small business was just as important as profit making.

Ms. McCalman also awarded two prizes of complimentary Legal Consultancies to Vanda Allicock of Vanda’s Designs and Fiona Northe-Graham of Beads of Elegance.

One thing is for certain we all need each other.

As my mentor John Maxwell said: “One is too small a number to achieve greatness."

Send us your thoughts to beyondtherunwayone1 and visit our FB page BEYOND THE RUNWAY as we continue the journey called life Beyond The Runway.

DR. SONIA E. NOEL D.H.L Fashion Designer Global Ambassador Unite4:-

good John Maxwell Certified Speaker CEO of Guyana Fashion Week Founder of Sonia Noel Foundation for Sustainable Development Founder of Women's Association for Sustainable Development

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

THE production of onions on Guyana’s coastland is a possibility. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently conducted a fruitful trial at its Mon Repos location. The successful introduction of onions as a crop grown in Guyana in commercial quantities would help to reduce the food import bill.

The following are some tips in how farmers could get started with onion production: Land Preparation: • Land clearing, ploughing, harrowing, rotovating and bed-shaping; • Drains should also be constructed to promote drainage and prevent waterlogging; • Beds must be at least 15-20cm (6-8”) high; bed height should be lower for furrow irri-

(Part 1)

Onion Production gation; • Soil should be properly weathered; the stale-bed technique recommended for period between land preparation and planting;

VARIETY AND TYPES: • Classification is based on needed hours to rigger bulb formation: short (12), intermediate (12-14) or long-ay (14) types; • Varieties recommended for cultivation between mid- October and December: Mercedes, Arad, Superex and Grano; • Varieties recommended for March/ April planting: Orlando, Caballero, Yellow Granex hybrid and Noam PLANTING: DIRECT SEEDING • Seed at a rate of 3.5 – 4.5 kg/ha9 (3-4 lb/ acre).

• Seeds may be planted in rows 20-30 cm (8-12 in) apart and along rows, at 2.5 cm (1/2 in).

• Soil must be prepared to a condition that will facilitate mechanical planters, which must be calibrated for depth of sowing, spacing and discharge of seeds.

ONION TRANSPLANTING: • 1.25-2.5 kg/ha (1-2 lb/acre) of seeds are needed • Seedlings are to be produced in nursery using polyethylene trays and transplanted when plants are at the two-leaf stage (within six to eight weeks).

• Seedlings should be transplanted at field at the depth similar to what obtained in trays; land preparation and bed preparation should follow the same instructions as direct seeding.

Linden Stewart Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

– the man who propelled bee-keeping in Guyana

By Ravena Gildharie

wax hair food among others.

LINDEN STEWART became fascinated with bees at age seven, but it was a book he pulled out of the garbage bin years later that widened his knowledge and enabled him to spearhead numerous apiculture initiatives in Guyana.

Stewart was born on November 22, 1961 in Ituni. He lived briefly in Potaro before settling in Georgetown at age 4. He grew up with his grandmother and later with his father, a gold miner and certified animated designer. He has 13 siblings.

Stewart never married but has two daughters and four grandchildren. He now resides in Adelaide Street, Charlestown, and is the Vice President of the Guyana Apiculture Society.

He first encountered bees during a school visit to the Botanical Gardens’ honey house and later at age 14, began capturing bees with boyhood friend Christopher Menezes.

The two would light bags tied to a bamboo pole to smoke out the hives; sometimes they had to drop it and run as the bees erupted.

The late Ensley DeSouza, whom Stewart dubbed “the godfather of bee-keeping in Guyana,” afterward taught the boys how to extract and rear bees to produce honey.

After school, Stewart pursued a two-year course in book binding and being a librarian, which gradually pulled him away from bees. Subsequently, he joined the Guyana Prison Service as a Prison Officer, a job that took his attention completely away from bee-keeping as he had to work on shifts and was relocated several times. After four years, he resigned in 1984 due to family commitments.

“After I resigned I went to work on a fishing trawler, and on my third trip, the trawler sank…It wasn’t a pleasant experience as we spent two days floating at sea before we got rescued,” Stewart indicated. He later worked as a security inspector and a mini bus conductor.

REPRESENTING GUYANA During the project, he met the Ministry of Agriculture’s Apiculturalist from whom Stewart began absorbing bee-keeping theories.

In 2002, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary gave Stewart an invitation from Jamaica to participate in the third Caribbean Bee-keeping Congress. The Ministry was unable to send a representative. Stewart was advised to use the opportunity but

BEE-KEEPING AS LIVELIHOOD “One day I sat down and said to myself ‘you are doing so many things and not seeing a future or something secure in all of it, so what it is that I can do.’ I remembered I was doing bee-keeping and decided to go back to it,” Stewart noted.

DeSouza helped Stewart to set up hives at his home in West Ruimveldt. One day some schoolboys agitated the bees.

Stewart and other persons, animals and poultry were stung badly causing him to relocate his hives to the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, where they remain.

In 1993, Stewart went to visit a friend who was migrating but when he arrived at the residence, the friend had already left.

“I met the father who I asked if my friend had left any books or anything that I could read. He said he had already thrown the items in the garbage and if I wanted, I could check and see if there was anything I was interested in. I went to the garbage and while going through I stumbled on a book called ‘Home Honey Production’ and that book had all the basic principles of bee-rearing and that was my first personal honey book,” Stewart outlined.

The book, which he still has, taught him too how to produce a wide range of products from honey and bees’ wax. He used the book when he started lecturing and training.

During 1995, he got small business funding to acquire more honey boxes, smokers and protective gear. He and Aubrey Roberts eventually formed Kingdom Apiary, specialising in bee-rearing and extraction, honey production, bee’s wax soap and candles making and training.

While travelling to his apiary one day, Stewart observed abandoned hives on the Army’s farm and began attending to those bees. The Army later asked Stewart to train their personnel and he subsequently participated in many exhibitions and workshops.

He also lectured voluntarily for eight years to CXC students at the North Georgetown Secondary School.

In 2001, then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds recruited Stewart to teach bee-keeping to Upper Mazaruni residents.

Initially, the villagers weren’t interested, but students at the Waramadong Secondary School and Dormitory took on the venture. With equipment and training, they produced honey and sold it to the community. The residents then asked Stewart to return and train them in bee-keeping, honey-production, honey-toasted cassava bread, honey-roasted peanuts and bees’

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with his own sponsorship. It was three weeks before the event and Stewart approached several agencies for help.

For two weeks Stewart was unsuccessful until an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs agreed to only purchase Stewart’s ticket to Jamaica.

“I landed in Jamaica with 41 US dollars in my pocket; didn’t know where I was going; didn’t know who was picking me up, didn’t know where I would stay or what to do,” Steward recalled. The Jamaican government eventually covered Stewart’s participation in the week-long event.

It was his first exposure outside Guyana and to a congress, and Stewart felt embarrassed when he turned up without a Turn to page XVII ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

Former Mississippi prison chief sentenced to nearly 20 years

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Christopher Epps once called himself the "tallest hog at the trough," but he was cut down to size Wednesday when a judge sentenced Mississippi's former corrections commissioner to nearly 20 years in prison for crimes connected to more than $1.4 million in bribes.

U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate handed down the sentence, rejecting prosecutors' recommendation for a more lenient 13 years. Wingate said Epps' decision to break into his former house to retrieve outdoor lights in October — after Epps had pleaded guilty — made him question whether the 56-year-old truly took responsibility for his crimes. He also ordered Epps to pay a $100,000 fine. Epps has already forfeited more than $1.7 million in assets.

"This is the largest graft operation that certainly I have seen, and I have seen a lot," said Wingate, a federal judge since 1985. "He has bruised tremendously the image of the state of Mississippi."

Epps pleaded guilty in 2015 to charges of money laundering and filing false tax returns related to bribes he extracted from contractors doing business with the prison system. The charges carried a maximum sentence of 23 years.

Epps has been jailed since Wingate revoked his bail in November following the house break-in, and will get credit for time served toward his sentence of 19 years and 7 months. In shackles and a jail jumpsuit Wednesday, Epps told Wingate that he had been motivated by Turn to page XVIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XV

Aries Navigating through emotional territory is like driving on a mountain road without guardrails. Fortunately, you can avoid the problems associated with losing control of a situation by gradually applying the brake before there's an emergency.

Unfortunately, you can't rely on others for an early warning because they might be cheering on your reckless behaviour today. However, someone will step in and do the dirty work of stopping you in your tracks if you don't take responsibility in time. Zen master Ezra Bayda teaches, "When you pay attention, everything is your teacher."

Taurus You encounter unexpected resistance today from someone you thought was on your side. You assumed that a close friend would be your biggest supporter and you might feel disappointed when you realize you're on your own. Don't waste valuable time or energy trying to convince anyone to return to your camp. Emotional pleas or angry confrontations will not work out in your favour; instead, plan on flying solo for now. Your actions will reveal your unwavering determination; your integrity is your saving grace.

Gemini You may be more worried today than people realize, but that's because you're a bit of a magician when you want to keep others from getting too close. Unfortunately, your cleverness can backfire, preventing your best friend or lover from helping you deal with the very thing that's causing you concern. It takes courage to be honest with others when you're not living up to your own standards. Sam Keen wrote, "We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

Cancer You continue to be an emotional being in a world where it's often prudent to tightly wrap your feelings up in the logic of the day. However, the drive to express your heart's desires in the safety of a stable relationship is fundamental to your wellbeing. Although you might be tempted to withdraw into your shell, growth occurs now from opening up. Self-disclosure is a rough road today because your perspective may conflict with someone else's. Instead of making happiness your current goal, strive for recognition. Amy Bloom wrote, "Intimacy is being seen and known as the person you truly are."

Leo Everyone might be encouraging you to take your brilliant ideas to a larger audience, but you're not sure this strategy is in your best interest. You like the idea of receiving accolades for your creativity, but you think something magical will be sacrificed in the translation during a rehearsed performance. You're not eager to tighten up your act too much now because it could lose its spark of spontaneity.

Additionally, the reality won't likely live up to your grandiose expectations. Nevertheless, like Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, you're still ready to do your duty and play your part when you're called to the stage.

Virgo You're focused on the distant future today but might not say much about it. The Moon's current visit to your 11th House of Dreams and Wishes inspires you to create compelling sequels to your favourite fantasies. Nevertheless, you can't go overboard now without risking everything. Adopt a sustainable pace that won't provoke much resistance. Unfortunately, if you jump ahead too quickly, you'll be sent back to the beginning of the line to start over again. Slow and steady wins the race.

Libra You may be overly concerned about anyone who doesn't want to participate in your community-building project today. Instead of relaxing and going with the flow, you might choose to tighten the reins. For example, filling in the details of someone's schedule leaves little time to pursue more questionable eccentricities.

Nevertheless, exerting too much control now is a tactic that will cost you later on when the tables are turned -- and you're the one who is being put back into a box of conventionality. Giving others the respect they deserve is the fastest way to earn it yourself.

Scorpio Sometimes you wish money problems would just solve themselves on their own.

However, much to your chagrin, they rise and fall like ocean waves. One day your cash flow is not flowing, and on another day, prosperity is abundant in your little kingdom. Nevertheless, you might need to face the fiscal music now and restructure some part of your financial picture. You can resist the changes at first, but they will eventually carry you into the future, bringing greater stability than you expect.

Sagittarius You're the serious one in a relationship now, especially if your significant other is not quite ready to settle down. This push-pull dynamic makes it easier for you to move closer while your partner is in retreat. Nevertheless, independent Mars opposes restrictive Saturn, triggering your relationship houses. Stop trying so hard to fix what isn't broken; observe your feelings without attempting to change them.

Satisfaction remains elusive for another day or two which gives you enough time to sort out the entanglements of your heart. Novelist Stephen Chbosky wrote, "We accept the love we think we deserve."

Capricorn Your schedule becomes even more complicated now if you have irrational requirements about certain activities that are non-negotiable. Unfortunately, you might find yourself deep in a power struggle with someone who wants you to alter your calendar so you can join them in an activity. But no one is likely to give in today, turning a minor conflict into a major one. Separating the facts from the emotions re-establishes equilibrium but it requires a commitment from everyone involved.

Thankfully, where there's a will there's a way.

Aquarius You have all the right words at the tip of your tongue today, but you might hesitate to say them out loud if you think they reveal your vulnerability. You wish you could keep your conversations on a cool intellectual level, but you can't set aside your romantic inclinations now. Nevertheless, you're not necessarily feeling warm and fuzzy; instead, your need for clarity sharpens the edges between you and someone you love. Don't strive for resolution; frustration grows when you push harder.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to just let go.

Pisces Balancing family activities with commitments made to your community or church can rekindle an unresolved issue in a personal relationship today. Clear communication is essential, but bringing up the subject doesn't mean you're any closer to agreement. Unfortunately, this may be one of those conflicts that doesn't have a quick solution, so you need to know when to back down. You might not be able to discern the best point to start your retreat, but you'll surely know when it's too late.

Avoid falling into a frustrating well from which there's no easy escape. Brigham Young said, "Honest hearts produce honest actions."

registration fee. Nevertheless, he participated and delivered a presentation. Guyana even secured nominees to host the following congress, held biennially, but was unable to finance the event.

For the fourth congress, the late Satyadeow Sawh, who then assumed the portfolio as Agriculture Minister, asked Stewart to represent Guyana. He ensured Stewart’s full sponsorship and assured support for Guyana to host another congress should the country be nominated again.

Guyana was nominated to host in 2008 but Sawh was killed in 2006. The congress was held in tribute to the late Minister.

Since then, Stewart represented Guyana at various regional and international bee-keeping events. In 2010, he participated in the sixth congress in Grenada and the following year in the first bee-keeping college in St. George’s. Stewart and three other apiculturalists attended that event and though they

XVII had no plans to participate in the Caribbean Honey Show, the Guyanese secured first, second and third wins in several categories with samples they took to distribute.

Guyana took first place prizes in the 2014 show staged in the United States Virgin Islands where Stewart again represented his country well.

Overtime, Stewart trained bee keepers in all ten administrative regions. He spearheaded apiculture projects at Aliki, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma and along the coast through the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project and in several Waini communities under the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

Further, Stewart got experts from England to conduct diagnostic tests and research in Guyana during 2011 while in 2013, he again led U.S. volunteers to do more advanced analytical testing of the country’s bee-keeping industry.

Lately, Stewart integrated drones in his bee-keeping activities mainly to locate and identify hives before extraction.

XVIII ◄◄◄ From page XVI

"greed."

"I've made some stupid mistakes I will regret for the rest of my life," Epps said, reading from a document.

The bribes allowed Epps, Mississippi's longest-serving corrections commissioner, to pay off the mortgage on his $500,000 house in a gated suburban subdivision, buy a beachfront condo on the Gulf Coast, acquire two luxury cars and accumulate hundreds of thousands of dollars in investments. Evidence showed Epps was taking monthly cash payments, then trying to deposit cash in banks in amounts small enough to escape scrutiny. He even got Brandon businessman Cecil McCrory to take a bag with $40,000 in dirty money, label it as proceeds from a tractor sale and wire it to Epps' investment account.

But unbeknownst to Epps, Leake County Sheriff Greg Waggoner had reported concerns about the prison system to investigators in 2009. By June 2014, when FBI agents asked Epps to come to their Jackson office on the pretext that someone had threatened his life, they had been collecting evidence on Epps for years, including tapping his phone. Once confronted, Epps agreed to help prosecutors, secretly recording conversations and enticing contractors to pay higher bribes.

Others who have pleaded guilty include McCrory, inmate health provider Dr. Carl Reddix of Jackson, Harrison County political consultant Robert Simmons, former state Sen. Irb Benjamin, prison phone consultant Sam Waggoner,

Texas drug-testing supplier Mark Longoria and Alabama health care consultant Michael Goddard. Former Harrison County Supervisor William Martin killed himself in 2015, hours before he was due in federal court on bribery charges.

FBI Agent Ty Breedlove told Wingate on Wednesday that Epps was the best source he has had in 15 years as an agent.

Two others still face charges of bribing Epps: insurance broker Guy E. "Butch" Evans and Teresa Malone, the wife of a former state representative. Discussions Wednesday in court indicated investigations remain active against six or seven other people in Mississippi and Louisiana, including one who has already been secretly indicted.

Defense attorney John Colette denied that Epps had extorted bribes from contractors, despite testimony from other defendants. Wingate questioned how much leniency he should show Epps for turning in others.

"You're asking he get credit for revealing the involvement of conspirators who he may have brought into the conspiracy," the judge said.

Epps told Wingate the "tallest hog at the trough" remark, caught on tape, was a joke, and he is actually a humble person.

Wingate told Colette he was unmoved.

"In this instance, we have an elaborate scheme which allowed your client to lead an extravagant lifestyle while his criminal conduct made a mockery of his position as head of the Department of Corrections," Wingate said.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

◄◄◄ From page XII

was ordered to remove from channel 12 to Channel Six. Sharma had to bear the expense of replacing the transmitter and relevant equipment to convert the television station to Channel Six, since it was also a weaker signal.

Another major challenge was the fire in 2004, which consumed 30 years of memories the building possessed with all the valuables inside.

“We were living there and most of the TV station was also taken by the fire, but within one week we moved to 43 Robb and Wellington Streets. That was disastrous for us, but with continuous work, the TV station was up in a week.”

Another disaster, he said, was when he was suspended for a month in 2005 because of statements made about the then President Bharat Jagdeo during the floods.

In the early 90s, Sharma was taken to court; his wife said they were taken to court by an Indian national for showing Indian epics and religious series on the television station. The Indian national claimed that Sharma at that time did not have the rights to air such programmes. This battle was one of the first won by Sharma in the courts.

Another challenge was when the cinema owners in the 90s grouped up against Sharma and carried him to court, because they felt that they were being put out of business because of the shows being aired on Sharma’s television station. He had then told them that cinemas would be replaced with churches in the future, something which became a reality.

Reflecting merrily on the number of persons who were assisted by visiting his television station to air their plights, Sharma said in the early 90s, when there was a serious flood in the Mahaicony area and interior regions, he personally intervened to help all affected.

“At that severe flooding I was on a call-in programme, and Justice Prem Persaud sent a $50,000 cheque to give assistance to the flood victims. From that moment we could not control the spiral of things as donations

of food, medical supplies and funds were sent to the TV station to help those flood victims.”

Sharma noted “The army had to come out and assist to escort the first set of donations.

Eleven truckloads of goods were taken. That shipment had everything persons could have donated to help. Tonnes of food stuff were donated, some of the stuff was air dropped.”

He added that Government intervened because of the large scale of donations being given, and Sharma’s escalating popularity.

“To spite me the government had me charged for damaging a part of the dam that I walked on…they say the part I walked on was damaged. Former Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis sent me a letter with the charge.”

Sharma also reminisced on one occasion when he bought a Mercedes motorcar from the Chinese embassy. Government later issued a statement declaring that when embassies decide to sell their vehicles, persons buying them must pay the duty on the vehicle.

“I guess someone in the then government had wanted the vehicle and didn’t get through with the transaction…the vehicle was a limited edition.”

His wife says whatever C N Sharma enjoys in life was because of hard work. “C N is a very patriotic man, and he loves to help people unconditionally.

“The only way to move Guyana forward is for people to be treated equally, and for Government to recognise that everyone wants to have rights to be respected, if government does not give respect and equal opportunities there will always be problems,” Sharma asserted.

The couple noted that the mission of CNS TV Six remains to satisfy the needs of customers through courtesy and excellent service and to broadcast continued local and international coverage of current issues, news, events and entertainment for the education of the Guyanese people.

“Today, the station has widened its presentations covering both local and international events and transmitting 24 hours a day,” Sharma noted.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

Designing costume jewellery

By Telesha Ramnarine FIONA Northe-Graham always knew she wanted to be her own boss but couldn’t put her hands on exactly what type of business she should start up.

It was when she did a surgery and couldn’t do much physically that she went over to help a friend, Amanda, to make costume jewellery.

“Watching her, I fell in love with costume jewellery. But I wanted to do more. I like the African bead work and the designs on the jewellery worn by East Indians. So I thought to myself that I needed to move up from doing one and two-string jewellery,” recalled Fiona during an interview with Chronicle recently.

Because of her newfound love, she started taking classes in costume jewellery online and this helped her improve in the quality of her

Fiona Northe-Graham Fiona (second from right) with her husband, Troy, and her helpers at a recent expo

work. “That’s why I can do so many designs and different stitches. In order to create a design, you have to stitch with thread; have to use a needle and thread. So it’s not only about running through beads in a string. It’s much more technical to get certain designs done.”

Furthermore, in order to help her customers find the right jewellery, Fiona would meet with them to observe their neck size and length, the shape of their face and so forth.

“Sometimes what the customers choose is not always best for them. Of course, the customer choices come first but I would still advise them what I think is best for them.”

Fiona said many sleepless nights are involved in getting some designs done. Who’d think that some of them would take as much as three weeks to a month to complete! “But I always want to make customers happy and satisfied and when you are finished, you feel

XIX

– Fiona’s newfound love

so satisfied.”

Fiona’s husband, Troy Graham, is always very supportive when things get rough.

Explaining what is involved in creating an intricate design, Fiona said: “The beads have to be sown one at a time in order to get the design. The length of it, the turns…when you are finished, you still have to knit it together.

But all in all I do enjoy my work and I love it to the bone.”

Since beads are not sold in Guyana, Fiona usually buys costume jewellery, loose them up and then have them redecorated. She is working on a few options to deal with the difficulty of obtaining her beads.

Fiona is grateful for the help that popular

Some designs can take as much as three weeks to a month to complete

designer Sonia Noel has been giving to her.

Noel loved Fiona’s work from day one and has even had some of her models use Fiona’s jewellery.

Apart from costume jewellery, Fiona is also into designing curtains. Once an appointment is made, she visits the customer’s home to help them choose designs that would match their décor.

“My customers have gotten so accustomed to me now that they would say, ‘Fiona, you do your thing. You know what you have to do.’”

Fiona can be reached on telephone number 216 1103 and by her Facebook Page “Beads of Elegance.

One of Fiona’s handiwork With popular designer Sonia Noel

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

Accountability and transparency the keys to good governance Part I The rock upon which a democratic society rests is its Constitution; the Constitution of the country is the supreme law of the land, and all citizens, are subject to its provisions. The Constitution guarantees the fundamental human rights of citizens. President David Granger has consistently stated that respect for the rule of law is the foundation of a law-based society, one which can be sustained only by an independent judiciary.

The Head of State, since his assumption to office two years ago, pledged to stamp out corruption in all its forms in public offices and to govern the country in a transparent and accountable manner.

As one of his first priorities the President, during a meeting with senior public servants at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) in May 2015, spoke of his Administration’s commitment to ensuring that the public service is one that is professional and “unbribable”. He also noted that the country cannot function effectively without an efficient and professional public service, which he said, is a hallmark of a well governed state.

As part of this professionalisation of such offices, members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, which was reconvened after more than two decades of inactivity and is viewed as an essential element in the system of public administration, were sworn-in on May 17, 2017.

This neglect, the Head of State noted, had led to irregularities and inconsistencies in the Public Service. The Tribunal’s absence injured the interests of persons, who felt wronged by unfair dismissals, the denial of benefits, or other disciplinary actions but who had no redress. The Tribunal affords public servants recourse, other than through the courts, to challenge

President David Granger with recently sworn-in members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, along with Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo [to his right] and Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon [to his left]

unfair and unjust promotions, dismissals and other disciplinary action by the Public Service Commission.

According to President Granger, “the tribunal’s reconstitution represents a commitment to administrative justice,

it reverses decades of neglect, it restores confidence in the Government, it will boost public servants’ morale [and] it will enhance professionalism in the national public administrative system.” Chairman of this Tribunal, Mr. Nandram Kissoon, speaking after the ceremony, pledged that the body would work expeditiously to fulfill its mandate to the Public Servants, ensuring that their cases are heard. “That is the whole purpose of the Public Servants Appellate Tribunal to ensure that the Public Servants are adequately and properly dealt with,” he said.

In addition, two members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which is intended to insulate judicial appointments from political partisanship and personal and other biases were also sworn-in on May 17, 2017. The Judicial Service Commission, President Granger said, is an indispensable element of Guyana’s legal framework, the guardian of judicial autonomy and is the defender of its independence.

It is the protector of its integrity and impartiality. The JSC the Head of State pointed out that it is a mechanism, which

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

XXI

President David Granger with members of the recently sworn-in Judicial Service Commission

ensures that judicial officers will be appointed on the basis of their competence and integrity.

It is obliged, he noted, to ensure that its recommendations for appointments of judicial officers flow from a dispassionate and objective process and are based on clearly defined criteria applied in assessing the appropriateness of appointees.

President Granger described the constitutional body as the guardian of judicial autonomy and its member and Acting Chairman of Public Service Commission Mr. Patrick Yarde said that the body was finally established after being sidelined for many years under the previous Government. He noted that “we are extremely disappointed that it was not filled for such a long time it was clearly and, as far as I’m concerned, act of wickedness by the previous Government, denying Public Servants access to redress.”

FIGHTING CORRUPTION At the other end of the spectrum is the urgent need to tackle corruption at all levels. The Head of State, speaking on May 29, 2016, during the launch of the book, “Governance, Transparency and Accountability,” said that crimes of tax evasion, narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons and money laundering, all contribute to corruption and hinder development. Corruption, President Granger pointed out, “is corrosive as it weakens the enforcement of the law and democratic values. It weakens accountability and transparency and public trust in government and the institutions of government.”

Further, he said that it removes resources from the Government or from agencies responsible for improving the quality of life of Guyanese and what should be a public good is directed to private gain. However, the practice of good governance, transparency and accountability are more than the antidote. The President said that while graft is prevalent in several sectors of society, the Government, together with the public must commit to excising it and to ensuring that transparency and accountability are the hallmarks of service.

He noted that while there may be instances of official graft, Government workers are not the only “villains”, as corruption can be found within the private sector, in offshore banks and in tax havens. As such, a concerted effort by all is needed to tackle the scourge.

The Government is ensuring that the work of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which was established in 2013 as one of the recommendations outlined by the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) programme of activities to ensure Guyana’s compliance with international financial obligations, fulfills its mandate. It is expected to investigate suspected money laundering crimes, and to prosecute persons suspected of terrorism and financial offences and falls under the control of the Guyana Police Force.

Another body, the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) was established as a result of obligations under the United Nations (UN) Convention Against Corruption. The unit

has been tasked with investigating claims of corruption and malfeasance committed against the State. As result of investigations and audits, several cases of suspected corrupt practices have been forwarded to the Guyana Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Convention, to which Guyana is a signatory, aims to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption more efficiently and effectively, to promote, facilitate and support international cooperation and technical assistance in the prevention of and fight against corruption, including in asset recovery, to promote integrity, accountability and proper management of public affairs and public property.

In this regard, during an interview with the Press and Publicity Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams pointed out that Government will endeavour to honour the commitments made under the Convention. Minister Williams said, “We are not going to sign on to treaties and not observe them, so we need to reduce these treaties into our national law so that they can apply in Guyana and that is what we are doing and as I said there are persons who are afraid because they have obviously purloined to state assets and they want to hold onto their ill-gotten gains but society as to act in its interest.”

In addition to the establishment of these agencies the Legal Affairs Minister alluded to the fact that since the Administration took over Law Enforcement and related agencies have aligned with each other, allowing for the solving of numerous cold cases and greater efficiency in apprehending criminal elements.

Reflecting on campaign promises, Minister Williams said that Guyana was turned upside down following 23 years of misrule and the Government is in the process of correcting the deficiencies, which it inherited, particularly with respect to the functioning of key related agencies.

“You must have the Courts on the one end, the police and

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams M.P, S.C.

the prisons at the other end, the probation, the prosecutions, the DPP [Director of Public Prosecution], so they have to be coordinated; you have to link, so we have to ensure that there is greater collaboration in the Justice Sector now,” the Minister said.

The Government of Guyana has pledged that it will continue to govern the country with integrity and respect for the rule of law and public officials continue to be held at high standards to ensure that the Guyanese society does not return to the state of lawlessness it once was over two decades ago. President Granger has also assured citizens that those found culpable of wrongdoings would face the full force of the law.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

The medicine machine that can save your life

By Shauna Jemmott THE ‘Poly Pharmacy Manager’, the newly developed device on the medical market, has been invented by United-States based Guyanese agency Nurse Technologies, to take healthcare to a new level with an expectation of saving an unpredictable number of lives the world over.

The device, known as ‘Poly-P’ was designed by Chief Executive Officer of Nurse Technologies, Lloyd Nurse, after he had a personal experience with missed doses of medicine and recognised that an undetectable number of people suffer in sickness, even unto death, because they have not used their medication properly or on time.

Nurse recently launched the device in Guyana and in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, described its purpose, and explained the inspiration and process behind the making of the mini-machine.

“We’re into medication management. Medication management simply refers to helping people take their medicine responsibly and the reason it is necessary is because you might be given your medicine to take… and you forget, or you remember to take it and then you take it and then 15 minutes after you’re wondering ‘did I take my medicine’… so this device is gonna make it easy for you not to have that problem,’” Nurse said.

Thousands of people die annually because of lack of medicinal care. Many people also develop further medical complications because of medicine not being taken on time, and Nurse said while he has had experiences with missing medicines, his invention will ensure medicinal mistakes are reduced. The electronic and battery operated device is programmed and instructions on how it works are part of the package. A number of medicines can be used through the system at the same time.

Nurses Invention has four issued patents and two additional ones are waiting to be issued.

“You plug it up and it starts… after you take your first dose you just put the bottle (back) in there. It’s already programmed. If you try to take your medicine out before the time it is gonna go into an alert… If you don’t put it back, it’s gonna go into an alert. In cases where some people are older and they want to log that information so that their doctor could see or their son or daughter could see that they actually picked up that bottle automatically it’s logged into their cellphone or smart device. It don’t have to be that way but if they want that feature, it’s available. So somebody can be across the globe and they can tell them if they picked up their medicine.”

The Poly Pharmacy Manager carries a built-in Bluetooth device which sends a signal to a mobile phone or smart device attached to it, making someone aware even a great distance away, that the bottle has been removed and medicine taken.

“Once you pick it up the signal goes to the cellphone and it activates your app … And by programming this specific bottle into your smart device, it knows what you picked up… It makes so much easier to follow and to know what you’re doing, when you’re doing… It is a critical piece of equipment for anyone who needs medical care.”

Up to twenty medicines can be managed with the more

Inventor of the United States patented ‘Poly Pharmacy Manager’, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nurse Technologies, US based Guyanese Lloyd Nurse

advanced of the devices, and the smart device will record immediately who is taking the medicine, the colour of the medicine, and a photograph of the medicine, etc.

The inventor of the Poly Pharmacy Manager told the Guyana Chronicle that although the product has been

patented in the USA, he has launched the product here since he is Guyanese and sees his invention as a tool to lift the country higher on the global map of recognition.

Nurse is a veteran of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), and before migrating to North America in 1985, held the position of ‘Pilot in Command’ under the stewardship of now President Brigadier David Granger. In the US, he worked briefly as Pilot before becoming employed in the Financial Services field.

He moved from New York to Atlanta Georgia, where he started the Atlanta Residential Mortgage Company.

His experience as a Pilot has also contributed greatly to the creation of the new appliance.

“I came up with this invention after I was given anti-biotic for a strep throat that I had and the Pharmacist said to me make sure that you take the full course or else your body can develop a resistance… got my medicine, went home and I took it for three days, the strep throat went away and so is the memory of taking the medicine, I totally forgot,” Nurse said.

A week after he encountered the bottle again his body had already started developing a resistance to the medicine, and so he thought of creating a reminder.

“If this can happen to me, it can happen to anybody and I started down the road by finding a simple solution.

The first thing is noted is that … If you tell people to set a timer, they wouldn’t wanna do it, it’s too much work.

And then I realize that you can have a clock without a visual on it, and that’s coming from my exposure as a technician in aviation. Part of my aviation training there were products or there were components on an airplane that would be running when you start, you don’t see it but it’s time related. And so I thought about that and I said this would be a good concept to apply to it.”

“And then it relates to how someone else can be brought in … if you’re passed out and you can’t get to your medicine… Your …. Can call your nurse’s cellphone or your wife’s… It will keep beeping until you get it,” Nurse explained.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

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Women agro-processors forge ahead with new innovative products – seeking niche market for acai berry wine, garlic-flavoured cassava biscuits

By Ravena Gildharie Three years ago, Vanessa Lowe, a farmer and midwife of New Haven, Siriki in the Upper Pomeroon River attended a workshop and met another participant who told her about the production of flavoured wine and juice using acai berry, which is harvested from the locally-known ‘manicole’ palm.

“I had never heard about acai berry wine before so I said I had to try this for myself. At that time, I didn’t know how nutritious it was,” Lowe recalled. She proceeded with her experiment, soaked several pounds of the berry to make the wine.

She used some of the fresh fruits to make juice. When it was ready for consumption, she encouraged her family members and fellow villagers to join in sampling the drink.

Around the same time, a Ministry of Agriculture team visited the community and Lowe introduced the officials to her newly-discovered produces.

“They tasted and they said they liked it very much, and so I was encouraged to further develop the idea. I did some research

for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and helps the agro-processors in various ways.

MARKETING ACAI BERRY WINE, JUICE Through WADNet, Lowe received agro-processing and business management

and discovered the many health benefits of the acai berry,” Lowe said. Acai berry has been known for centuries as a healing, immune-stimulating, energy-boosting fruit.

It is believed that the fruit promotes heart and skin health, helps digestion, boost the immune system, improve mental function and aids weight loss among others.

Today, Lowe’s acai berry wine is publicly available bottled, labelled and branded through the Women Agro-Processors Development Network (WADNet), which aided the product’s expansion and promotion. WADNet comprises several groups of small-scale agro-processors from various rural and indigenous communities. The Network’s agenda is spearheaded by the Inter-American Institute

training. She got financial assistance to develop packaging and labelling of her produces and the Network is still trying to secure markets for the acai berry wine and juice.

Currently, Lowe sells her produces Turn to page XXIV ►►►

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based on demand in her community and the Pomeroon River. Her items can be found too at WADNet’s Office located in IICA’s Building on Brickdam, Georgetown. The agro-processor also showcased and sold her produces at exhibitions in which WADNet has participated.

Last year, Lowe established a processing facility at her home where she produces the acai berry wine as well as cherry wine and sorrel drink. On her farm, she grows pineapples, passion fruits, sorrel, coconuts and eddoes. In addition to her own harvest, Lowe sources fruits from nearby farmers. They provide her with all of the fresh acai berries for which she pays about $30 per pound. She usually purchases about 200 pounds twice per month.

At her facility, she washes the berries and

soak it in containers for at least two weeks, afterwards which she strains it and leave the extracted juice to remain for several months to make the wine. For the fresh juice, she uses a special mill to separate the flesh of the berries from the seeds. The mill, Lowe acquired through the previous Rural Enterprise Agricultural Development (READ) Project.

“I don’t add any sugar or preservatives to my juice drink. It is organic. I just add water and bottle it,” Lowe boasted. The product has a shelf-life for about one year once it is kept refrigerated. The wine is sold in recycled 750 ml bottles at a cost of $2000 each.

Lowe is the only person known to date in Guyana who processes the acai berry wine and juice. She plans to produce a video to showcase the processing of the acai berry wine and juice from the first to last stages.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

GARLIC FLAVOURED CASSAVA BISCUITS Meanwhile at Tapakuma Mission, also in Region Two, a group of women is pioneering the production of cassava biscuits flavoured with garlic and hot pepper. The products are branded by the Rising Sun Products Enterprise and are currently available at the Guyana Shop in Georgetown and at IICA’s Office. The group sell too from the community’s cassava factory.

Treasurer Vanessa Wong explained that the villagers were growing and processing cassava for a long time and the factory had changed several hands of management over the years until it grew defunct. Then in 2014 under leadership of Toshao Doreen Jacobis, the factory was renovated under the READ Project. The farmers at the time were involved in a massive cassava cultivation programme and efforts were focused on seeking markets.

A group of initially five women including Wong subsequently formed the Rising Sun Products Enterprise and took control of the factory. With assistance from WADNet, the group advanced their cassava processing ventures focusing primarily on the garlic-flavoured and spicy-flavoured cassava biscuits.

“We got a lot of help from WADNet and we are very grateful for their support.

They helped us with finance to upgrade our labels and packaging, got us registered as a business, helped our members to get food handler’s certificates and provided training on various topics. They have also helped us to get markets…they got us to where we are today,” Wong expressed.

She noted too that the Network allows the women to exhibit their products at various events in Essequibo and Georgetown. “They also have officials checking on us every month so we know we have their continued support,” Wong outlined.

Currently, the women produce twice per month at the factory, processing about 500 pounds of cassava per week during each cycle. They provide a steady market for the local farmers.

SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS “We buy from about 20 farmers in the community. We try to rotate the purchase too to ensure that all of the farmers benefit from our processing activities. Also, there is the CDP Project where farmers planted 10 acres of cassava and 10 acres of peanuts, so we buy from that farm too, which we call the community’s farm,” Wong related.

The group still produce the regular cassava bread, cassareep and cassava ‘quinches,’ a cassava meal sandwich that contains flavoured processed coconut.

“The ‘quinches’ product is doing well so far because we have noticed that more people who know about it, like to eat it and are buying it more than the other cassava products,” Wong indicated. Two weeks ago, the women included a batch of the ‘quinches’ in their shipment to the Guyana Shop to test the market availability for this product. The group had been supplying the Shop once per month but is now expanding production to stock more frequently based on growing demand.

According to Wong, the villagers have been producing the garlic-flavoured and spicy-flavoured biscuits for a number of years. The process involves integrating grated garlic and hot pepper to the cassava meal before it is baked and dried. The factory is equipped with a solar dryer that the women uses to make their cassava biscuits.

The biscuits are cut in squares, packaged and labelled.

Wong said she hasn’t met or heard about any other groups or individual producing the flavoured cassava biscuits.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

Braiding is an expression of love

By Shauna Jemmott

A PROMINENT African-Guyanese woman explained that when an African woman braids her daughter’s hair, it creates an atmosphere for bonding and as it takes time to skillfully bind the strands, even values

are passed down.

“Braiding is not just an art, but it is an expression of love, an avenue for greater intimacy,” Ms. Carmen, a middle-aged woman in a culture-rich countryside community said.

Ms. Carmen recalled in her youthful days when h e r own

mom braided her hair and taught her many things.

Her preparation for the adolescent stage of her life was done during this time and mom would tell her stories of her own ancestors and family traditions.

She explained that as the child sits between Turn to page XXVII ►►►

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her mother’s legs and rests her head comfortably on the woman’s thighs, it creates a comfort that is not found anywhere else.

And even when salon professionals do the job, it does not carry the same value as that done by mom.

“There is no better person to cornrow a little girl hair than her mama,” Ms. Carmen

told Pepperpot Magazine.

In the olden days it fashioned the perfect opportunity for woman to tell stories, hear concerns and teach the young girl something new, and that is why parents are encouraged to spend more time with their children, particularly girls, braiding their hair.

Braiding is forever fashionable, and even as it has its roots in the African tradition, Pepperpot Magazine understands that ‘cornrows’ received its name from the Africans who worked on corn fields, as the braiding was organized in such ways making it reminiscent of the well-organized corn fields.

Here in the Caribbean, many people call the hairstyles ‘canerows’ as it resembles the sugarcane fields planted during the slave trade.

Cornrows were popularly done within living rooms, bedrooms, on stairways or on benches in the yard at a family home. Even though many parents take their girls to the beautician for a weekly hairdo, there is no better comfort than a daughter’s head resting on her mother’s thigh while her scalp is being massaged by gentle fingers.

It is of concern to some that many have moved away from the traditional cornrows and are detangling the roots of the African people with the use of chemicals to lighten hair texture. But even with texture, one can still have their child’s hair feature the intricate cultural art form.

Ebony magazine defines cornrows as “the result of hair that’s braided flat against the scalp… An intricate art form… the cornrow braiding process takes anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to complete depending on the size of the braids and the hair’s density.”

The stylist has endless patterns to choose from and

many times those who plait create their own new design on the head of the person who is getting a hair fix.

While Pepperpot Magazine learnt that

XXVII there are basically two types of cornrows – with the overhand or ‘bread’ design featuring the braids lying on top of the scalp, the underhand or ‘hassaback’ technique carries an inverted look and is also called inside cornrows.

Patterns such as flowers, bows, hearts, baskets and even names of individuals are crafted through the braids. The hairstyle can last weeks, but many times, with much care, are left no longer than two weeks.

Braids can be maintained by covering with a silk scarf or stockings to sleep, preventing frizz, and oiling of the scalp to moisturise.

This week Pepperpot Magazine recommends a few fashionable cornrow/ canerow hair designs which moms can try for the upcoming holiday season.

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Preparing for the magical month of June “JUNE is the month of brides” we hear again as the fifth month comes to an end in 2017.

Even as several couples are preparing to say “I do” in the everlasting knot, fashion designers and wedding

planners are getting busier as the days draw near.

We prepare to step into the month traditionally known for romance and nuptials, and Pepperpot Magazine takes a peek into bridal showrooms and halls

of the past as an example of what is available from Guyanese designers and wedding planners.

This season men are moving away from the traditional blacks, whites and greys in suits, and are adding colour to

their jackets. Shades of green, yellow, red and purple are trending, while some add a little blue to theirs too.

So, if you are planning a quick wedding party or need ideas for your wedding months away, we offer some.

Final touches are being done on the groom This beautiful couple, Andrea and Eon, prepares to say “I do” as they enter a new journey

Everybody makes a fuss over the bride’s look for her wedding

“For better, for worse!”

(Photos compliments of ‘Colefacts Weddings’)

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 28, 2017

Moleson Creek desperate for help

By Shauna Jemmott RESIDENTS of Moleson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, are desperate for help and are calling on government to pave a road along the only muddy path into their community.

A school is shut down, and close to 50 children manoeuvre over a mile through the muddy path whenever a tractor is not available to transport them out, since only ‘big’ tractors and excavators are modes of transportation out.

On Wednesday, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, visited the area to commission the first-ever water distribution network in the area, but while residents are

thankful, they said the community is in need of so much more.

Stories of their daily survival are but a terrible imagination for many whose poverty will be luxury to those in Moleson Creek.

“Wha abi go do? Awe cyan do better!” one resident told the Pepperpot Magazine on Wednesday near the newly constructed Moleson Creek.

His name is Gazi Munir Ibrahim and he had just finished washing the feet of three of his children and his own at a standpipe just outside the village, an act performed at least twice daily after paddling through deep mud.

The only primary school in the area had been shut down because travelling deeper into the village where the school is

Because of the state of the roads, big tractors and excavators are the only types of vehicles used to transport residents out of Moleson Creek

Gazi Munir Ibrahim brings his children out to attend a community event at the Moleson Creek bridge

Guyana Water Incorporated Region Six Manager Jawaharlall Ramjug, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally and GWI Managing Director Dr. Van-West Charles spill the first drops of water from a pipe in Moleson Creek, Corentyne, at the commissioning of the Water Distribution System at Jackson/Moleson Creek Wednesday

located is worse than travelling the bad mile out to catch the President David Granger 3B bus for Crabwood Creek Primary miles away.

“The government promise abi a lot of things. They promise abi water, they promise abi road, but dem nah quite promise about the light yet. So we have like patient and wait fuh see what the government gon do. But we does gee cooperation everytime. Whether we punish or nah punish we still does gee cooperation,” Ibrahim said.

“The children dem go to school. Dem bin have a school in Moleson deh but due to the dam the pickney cyan go a school, so the government provide a transportation fuh the pickney dem go a school,” he told Pepperpot Magazine.

After a trip to the Corriverton Market, this man heads home carrying goodies on his shoulder

Farmers daily fetch their produce to the bridge at the front of the village, where buyers in trucks and taxis await to buy and transport. This farmer fetches a small bag of ground provisions he reaped from his farm in Moleson Creek to present as a token of gratitude to Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams

After puddling through the muddy roadway, a female resident washes her feet while another resident awaits his turn, at the lone standpipe across the Moleson Creek bridge

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Health & Lifestyle

Why reducing sleep makes you hungry I am something of an insomniac and I know that when I don't get at least seven hours' sleep I become tired and irritable.

I've also noticed that a bad night's sleep affects my memory. The link between sleep and memory has been around for a long time and one plausible theory is that during deep sleep your brain moves short-term memories, collected that day, into long-term storage, freeing up space in your brain for more memories.

So if you don't get enough deep sleep those memories will be lost.

Whether this theory is right or not, getting a good night's sleep (rather than staying up late and cramming) is particularly important for students who are currently revising for exams.

But what really surprised me, while making the Truth about Sleep for BBC One, was discovering how much a bad night's sleep can affect blood sugar control and hunger, even in healthy volunteers.

To find out more we asked Dr Eleanor Scott, who works at the University of Leeds, to help us.

We recruited a group of healthy volunteers and, under her supervision, fitted them with activity monitors and continuous glucose monitors, so we could see what was happening to their blood sugar levels, every five minutes or so.

Then we asked our volunteers to sleep normally for two nights (so we had a baseline), have two nights where they went to bed three hours later than normal, followed by two nights where they could sleep as long as they liked.

Ten custard creams Naturally enough, being an avid self-experimenter, I joined in. Staying awake when you really don't want to, and

everyone else in your house has gone to bed, was not enjoyable.

I was also unpleasantly surprised by just how much my blood sugar levels rose on the days when I was sleep deprived, and how hungry that made me.

The same was true of my fellow volunteers. When we met to get our results from Dr Scott everyone complained about having the munchies.

As one volunteer put it, "I wanted lots of biscuits and I didn't just have one. I'd go for 10. I wrote it down on my diary - 10 custard creams" "Is that unusual?" I asked him.

"Well that certainly unusual for breakfast!" he replied.

All of us, whether we had feasted on biscuits or managed to stick to our normal diet, saw marked increases in our blood sugar levels, to the point where some previously healthy individuals had levels you might expect to see in borderline type 2 diabetics. These problems resolved after a couple of good nights' sleep.

As Dr Scott pointed out, there is now a lot of evidence from big studies which suggests that people who sleep for less than seven hours a night are more likely to become obese and also develop type 2 diabetes.

SO WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN? Dr Scott said: "We know that when you are sleep-deprived this alters your appetite hormones, making you more likely to feel hungry and less likely to feel full. We also know that when people are sleep-deprived they often crave sweet foods, which could explain the custard cream cravings.

"Also, if you're awake when you're not meant to be, you produce more of the stress hormone, cortisol, and that can

influence your glucose level, as well, the next day" IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN A recent meta-analysis, carried out by researchers at King's College London, found that sleep-deprived people consume, on average, an extra 385 kcal per day, which over time could certainly add up.

It's not just that your blood sugar levels soar and your hunger hormones go into overdrive when you are sleep-restricted.

Researchers have also found that areas of your brain associated with reward also become more active when you're tired. In other words you become more motivated to seek out food.

Getting enough sleep is particularly important, not just for adults but also for children.

In another recent study researchers took a small group of pre-school children, aged three-to-four, all regular afternoon nappers, and not only deprived them of their afternoon nap but also kept them up for about two hours past their normal bedtime.

The following day the children ate 20% more calories than usual, particularly more sugar and carbohydrates. They were then allowed to sleep as much as they wanted. The following day they still consumed 14 per cent more calories than normal.

All of which points to the importance of getting a good night's sleep.

TECHNIQUES THAT WORK - THE RESULTS A few weeks ago, we kicked off the BBC Sleep Challenge and 367 of you chose to test out options to help you sleep

and report back.

This was not a proper scientific survey, because it was self-selecting, but it was revealing nonetheless.

Of those taking the Sleep Challenge, the most common complaint was waking up in the night (half), followed by difficulty falling asleep in first place (a quarter).

The most popular option was the controlled breathing technique which 146 people tried.

The results were fairly evenly spread, with around 50 people choosing to cut out alcohol; do morning exercise; take a warm bath or avoid social media at least an hour before bedtime.

The least popular option was eating two kiwi fruit before bed, which only attracted 27 people.

It was also the option that people who did it found the least effective - only a third said it helped, some said it made their sleep worse!

The other options produced surprisingly similar results, with around half of each group saying they had got benefit from doing the technique they'd chosen, while half did not.

It appears the techniques with the most science behind them were the most effective, but clearly nothing works for everyone.

So shop around and see what works for you. I now do most of them (I enjoy kiwi, just not every evening, and I prefer an evening shower to a bath).

I've also committed myself to eating more fibre, which was not on our original list because we thought the effect would be too slow to show up.

I'm not entirely sure which is the 'best' but the combination has certainly helped me get a better night's sleep.

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Entertainment

Sir Roger Moore, James Bond actor, dies aged 89 Actor Sir Roger Moore, best known for playing James Bond, has died aged 89, his family has announced.

He played the famous spy in seven Bond films including Live and Let Die and A View to a Kill.

Sir Roger's family confirmed the news on Twitter, saying he had died after "a short but brave battle with cancer".

The statement, from his children, read: "Thank you Pops for being you, and being so very special to so many people."

"With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated," they said in a Twitter post.

The actor took the character of James Bond in a more humorous direction than his predecessor Sean Connery.

Sir Roger's Bond was calm and suave - a smooth operator who could seemingly get himself out of a tricky situation with ease.

The veteran star, who died in Switzerland, will have a private funeral in Monaco in accordance with his wishes, his children said.

"The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone," read the statement from Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian.

"Our thoughts must now turn to supporting Kristina [Tholstrup, his wife] at this difficult time."

Sir Roger Moore has died at the age of 89 following "a short but brave battle with cancer"

The statement added: "We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, his television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF which he considered to be his greatest achievement.

Along with his famous Bond role, Moore was also known for TV series The Persuaders and The Saint.

Sir Roger was also well known for his humanitarian work - he was introduced to Unicef by the late Audrey Hepburn and was appointed as a goodwill ambassador in 1991.

Tributes paid

Sir Roger's Bond credits include Moonraker, Octopussy and Live and Let Die

Sir Roger is survived by his three children and wife Kristina Tholstrup

Russell Crowe led the tributes to the actor on Twitter, writing simply: "Roger Moore, loved him."

Michael Caine said: "I am truly sad and think I will be in tears if I talk about him.

"Roger was the perfect gentlemen, adored by all his friends."

Michael Ball said: "My dearest uncle Roger has passed on. What a sad, sad day this is.

"Loved the bones of him. Generous, funny, beautiful and kind."

Mia Farrow wrote: "Few are as kind & giving as was Roger Moore.

Loving thoughts with his family & friends," while Boy George added: "RIP Sir Roger Moore. He was the king of cool."

Duran Duran, who sang the Bond theme song for A View To A Kill, simply tweeted: RIP

Roger.

In a statement, fellow Unicef ambassador and actor Ewan McGregor said: "Thank you, Roger, for having championed so tirelessly the rights of all children for the last 26 years.

"You've shown that we all have the power to make a change to the lives of the most vulnerable children."

Frank Gardner, the BBC's security correspondent, recalled how he and Sir Roger had become good friends in recent years.

"He even watched me ski past his chalet in Crans-Montana [Switzerland] while sipping a drink on his balcony," he said.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour and I will miss his jokes by email. We had lunch together only a few months ago and even after all these years he seemed surprised that his career had been as successful as it evidently was. We will miss him."

Moore's Bond movies Live and Let Die (1973) The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) Moonraker (1979) For Your Eyes Only (1981) Octopussy (1983) A View to a Kill (1985)

Entertainment

Ariana Grande: The diva with a heart Ariana Grande is one of pop's most intriguing and gifted singers.

A magnetic performer with unrivalled vocal control, she's unusually outspoken, and has been known to tackle interviewers head on if she feels they're being misogynistic.

During last year's US election, she posted a video of Donald Trump's declaration that "nobody has more respect for women than I do," which jump cut to footage of Grande laughing in utter disbelief.

And upon being branded a diva, she once replied: "Celine Dion is a diva, thank you. But if you want to call me a bitch, that's not accurate. Because it's just not in

my nature."

Aside from politics, the 23-year-old has a deep connection with her audience, exchanging long, heartfelt messages to counsel fans through hard times; and sending cookies and cocoa to teenagers who queued to see her in the depths of winter.

The intensity of that bond was evident in her response to the terrorist attack at her concert on Monday, which claimed the lives of 22 fans.

Writing on Twitter, she simply said she was "broken".

Ariana Grande-Butera was born in Boca Raton, Florida on June 26, 1993.

The singer is of Italian descent and her name is believed to have been inspired by Princess Oriana from the cartoon series Felix the Cat. Blessed with a four-octave vocal range, she took her first steps on stage at the age of eight; starring in local theatre productions of Annie and The Wizard of Oz, while studying the French horn and writing songs inspired by DIY indie artist Imogen Heap.

Speaking to Billboard magazine in 2014, Grande called herself a "very weird

little girl" who didn't always fit in with her peers.

"Dark and deranged. I always wanted to have skeleton face paint on or be wearing a Freddy Krueger mask, and I would carry a hockey stick around. I was like a mini-Helena Bonham Carter," she said.

In 2008, when she was 15 years old, she landed the role of Charlotte in the Broadway production of 13: The Musical and that led to a role as the adorably dimwitted Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious and its spin-off, Sam & Cat. The latter only lasted one season, with rumours of bad blood between Grande and her co-star Jennette McCurdy. But by the time it finished, she was already on her way to becoming an international pop star under the guidance of Justin Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun.

Her debut single, Put Your Hearts Up, was released in 2011. A fairly nondescript teen pop record, it failed to chart and Grande subsequently disowned it.

"It was geared toward kids and felt so inauthentic and fake," she told Rolling Stone.

"That was the worst moment of my life. For the video, they gave me a bad spray tan and put me in a princess dress and had me frolic around the street. The whole thing was straight out of hell. I still have nightmares about it, and I made them hide it on my [YouTube] page."

Her debut album was better, especially the breathy, flirtatious single The Way; but Grande's career didn't really take off until she released Problem in 2014.

That single flipped pop wisdom on its head, with the singer belting out the verses in full-force diva mode before whispering the chorus - "I got one less problem without you" - over a skittish saxophone riff.

It caught fire instantly, rocketing to the top of the iTunes chart in 37 minutes, before the song had even been played on radio.

Grande followed it with a series of high-profile collaborations, with Zedd (Break Free), Jessie J and Nicki Minaj (Bang Bang) and The Weeknd (Love Me Harder), cementing her position as the breakthrough artist of 2014.

The singer stood out not just for her vocal chops, but her image. While Miley Cyrus was swinging around on her wreck-

ing ball, Grande dressed like a 50s teen idol, her hair scraped back into a pony tail, and topped with a pair of cat ears.

"I don't feel confident in my sexuality or in my fashion," she told the New York Daily News. "I think of music first. I want people to listen instead of look and judge."

But look and judge they did; and Grande bristled when the media trained a spotlight on her relationships. Beneath those cat's ears, it turned out, were the claws to match.

"I'm tired of needing to be linked to a guy," she told The Sun in 2015. "I'm not Big Sean's ex, I'm not Niall [Horan]'s new

possible girl. I'm Ariana Grande."

She followed that up with a longer essay on feminism, in which she said: "I can't wait to live in a world where people are not valued by who they're dating / married to / attached to / having sex with (or not) ... but by their value as an individual".

Then, when two hapless radio hosts asked her to choose between her make-up and her phone, she replied: "Is this what you think girls have trouble choosing between? Is this men assuming that's what girls would have to choose between? You need a little brushing up on equality."

Sawine Ingredients ½ lb vermicelli 2 tins evaporated milk 1 pk (full cream) milk 6oz. granulated sugar ¼ cup raisins ¼ cup chopped almonds 2 oz butter Preparation ● Break sawine (vermicelli) into small pieces. ● Parch in butter with two sticks spice, 8 cloves, until golden brown. ● Put to boil in water and cook until soft.

Always be sure that sawine is covered with water, so that the sawine pieces would be free flowing and not tuck together. Add 1 tsp cardamom while boiling. ● Boil both milk together using slow heat, for about 15 to 20 minutes. ● When ready to mix, add milk to boiled sawine. ● Fry chopped almonds and raisins in a little butter and garnish. ● Serve in small bowels and garnish with the raisins and almond. Dates can also be used to garnish.